(May 14, 2018) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is preparing to pave the approaches and tie-ins that will connect the new Dover Bridge on MD 331 (Dover Bridge Road). To ensure the safety of motorists and workers, MDOT SHA will close MD 331 at night for up to six days. Crews will work between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Sunday, May 20 through Friday, May 25. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times.

Motorists are urged to plan ahead for overnight travel during the closure period. MDOT SHA will establish the following overnight detour: US 50 (Ocean Gateway) to MD 328 (Matthewstown Road) to MD 404 (Shore Highway) to MD 16 (Harmony Road) to MD 578 (Bethlehem Road) and back to MD 331. Drivers may choose alternate options as well.

Crews will pave several layers or “lifts” of asphalt, completing the base course and final riding surface in the same week. Each lift must cool and set before the next one is applied. Once the paving is complete, striping and guardrail installation will follow. An average of 12,000 vehicles travel this stretch of MD 331 each day, and Dover Bridge serves as a vital commuter and emergency services link between Caroline and Talbot counties.

The work is part of the $48 million Dover Bridge replacem​ent project.

 

 

(Google map: MD 331 - Dover Bridge overnight closures week of May 20.)

 

While MDOT SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands. For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, click on Road Ready, MDOT SHA's electronic construction brochure. For a look at real-time commute conditions, log onto www.md511.org.