​(October 27, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin a project Monday, October 31, making improvements to the intersection at US 522 and High Street in the Hancock community of Washington County.  

The project includes modifications to the existing concrete island to create shoulders, which will improve the turning radius for larger vehicles and trucks. Crews will work Mondays through Fridays, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The project should be complete by the end of November, weather permitting. 

Temporary and intermittent ramp closures will be required during the project. When the High Street ramp to northbound US 522 is closed, motorists will be detoured using High Street to Pennsylvania Avenue to MD 144 (Main Street) to eastbound I-70 to Exit 5/MD 615 and back to westbound I-70. When the northbound US 522 ramp to High Street is closed, motorists will be directed to eastbound I-70 east to Exit 3 MD 144 (Main Street).  

MDOT SHA contractor C. William Hetzer Inc. will use signs, barrels and a flagging operation to guide motorists safely through the work zone. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra commuting time during construction.  

Maryland’s Move Over Law requires motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares or other caution signals. The expanded law is in place to protect emergency responders and motorists who encounter a roadside emergency.  

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov​.