(June 2, 2015)  – Drivers entering Maryland from West Virginia on northbound US 522 will be directed on a short detour on Thursday, June 4, due to road work north of the Potomac River Bridge in Hancock. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will be patching the surface of the US 522 Bridge over MD 144. The detour will be in effect between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday, weather permitting.

During the detour period, a left-turn restriction will be temporarily lifted, allowing traffic from northbound US 522 to turn left onto the Blue Hill Road ramp just past America’s Best Value Inn. The posted detour will then direct drivers to turn right on MD 144 (West Main Street), turn left on Virginia Avenue by Sheetz, turn left on West High Street and use the ramp there to return to northbound MD 522.

C. William Hetzer, Inc. will complete the work for SHA as part of an areawide contract for roadway patching and resurfacing in Washington County. Those who would like more information on the road work or detour may contact the SHA District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll-free at 1-800-760-7138.

In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones.Click here for a listing of major SHA projects in Maryland. Always expect the unexpected, pay extra close attention and drive slowly through any work zone. Whether it’s a tree trimming operation or a bridge project, be aware when orange is there: Think Orange (the color of construction equipment and signs), stay alert and slow down. Everyone is at risk.

In four out of five work zone-related crashes, it is the driver or passenger who is injured or killed. In 2014, nine people lost their lives in Maryland work zone crashes, including four highway workers. While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to keep traffic safely moving in work zones, please partner with us because work zone safety is everyone’s business – slow down and stay alert. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone.

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