(July 29, 2015) – Beginning this Friday night at 7 p.m. (weather permitting), the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration will temporarily close southbound MD 197 (Laurel Bowie Road) at the intersection of Racetrack Road in Bowie. All lanes will reopen no later than 5 a.m. on Monday morning.

Recently, a 24-inch pipe at the site failed and a new pipe will be installed. During the closure, crews will perform excavation to abandon the old, failed pipe and install a  new pipe.

SHA placed electronic message signs earlier this week advising of the upcoming $50,000 emergency pipe repair and road closure.

Motorists should use the approved and signed detour route of MD 564 (Lanham Severn Road), MD 193 (Glenn Dale Boulevard) and MD 450 (Annapolis Road). Drivers are advised to add extra travel time. The left turn lane from northbound MD 197 onto westbound MD 564 will be closed; northbound through lanes will be remain open for travel.

For more information, please contact the SHA District 3 Office in Greenbelt at 301-513-7300 or shadistrict3@sha.state.md.us.

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.