(August 17, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration is modifying its plans for a partial roundabout on US 220 (Greene Street) at I-68 in Cumberland to create a smoother ride for trucks in response to public feedback about the ongoing interchange improvement project.
SHA will proceed with plans to create a partial roundabout that will make it easier for traffic heading south on Greene Street to access eastbound I-68. However, in response to feedback from the trucking community about the challenges of navigating the planned roundabout, SHA enlisted an independent team of roundabout experts, which is working to develop an updated design to better accommodate tractor-trailer traffic.
“We appreciate the feedback we’ve heard from many experienced commercial drivers and we agree the new design will improve safety for tractor trailers,” District Engineer Anthony Crawford said. “This is a challenging location because of the slopes involved, but the end result will be an improvement, both in terms of easy interstate access for residents in this area and overall safer traffic flow for all types of vehicles.”
The modified design will include reducing the downhill slope of the road in the area of the roundabout to lessen the possibility of load-shifting as larger vehicles navigate the circle. Until this is complete next year, drivers should proceed slowly over the portion of the roundabout that has already been constructed. The advisory speed limit for this area, previously posted at 20 mph, will be lowered to 15 mph and posted on an enlarged sign in advance of the roundabout.
While SHA finalizes the design modification to the roundabout, work on this portion of the project will be put on hold and crews will complete other aspects of the interchange project, including improvements to Greene Street north of the roundabout and an extension of the merge area for the US 220/Fletcher Drive ramp onto eastbound I-68. A portion of northbound Greene Street is currently closed due to the construction, but weather permitting, will reopen before the start of Allegany County Public Schools on Aug. 27.
If necessary, work on the partial roundabout may extend the project into next year’s construction season. Weather permitting, the project will be complete summer 2013.
While SHA and its 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 – look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don't follow too closely. Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For everyone!
Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit
www.md511.org for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.
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