(January 14, 2013) – All traffic traveling westbound on the US 50 bridge over US 301 near Queenstown will be switched to the recently completed left lane on Friday, January 18, as the $2.8 million bridge renovation project reaches its mid-point, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA).
Both lanes of the bridge are scheduled to be open by early May, in advance of the heavier beach traffic each spring and summer. “This is a critical safety project that was scheduled to minimize impact to motorists,” said Melinda Peters, SHA Administrator. “The reconstruction of the bridge is entering its second phase and we appreciate the public’s cooperation by accommodating changes in traffic patterns.”
Immediately after westbound traffic is switched to the left lane, crews will begin demolition of the right lane portion of the bridge deck. Nighttime closures will be scheduled in late January and early February to safely remove the old beams from the other half of the bridge. SHA will provide advanced warning prior to any nighttime closures along US 301 or US 50.
The overall bridge project includes replacing the entire bridge deck, resurfacing, replacing corroded steel and maintenance and cleaning the brick walls adjacent to the travel lanes.
While 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. 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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