(March 12, 2013) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is reminding drivers of the left lane closure at the intersection of westbound MD 450 (Annapolis Road) and southbound 85th Avenue in New Carrollton, Prince George’s County. Those who fail to obey the traffic device at the intersection, which temporarily prevents left turns at the intersection in the work zone, are subject to fines by law enforcement officers ranging from $90 to $130. Weather permitting, the project should be complete late fall.

The left turn lane on westbound MD 450 to southbound 85th Avenue is blocked with a concrete barrier.  Drivers should travel the signed detour route on MD 450 by using Harkins Road and Ellin Road to access southbound 85th Avenue.

“The temporary change in the traffic pattern during construction at the intersection of Annapolis Road and 85th Avenue is in place to protect pedestrians, drivers and crews within the work zone,” said New Carrollton Mayor Andrew C. Hanko. “To avoid fines and citations by police, drivers should stay out of the closed left turn lane at the intersection and continue travel along westbound Annapolis Road.”

SHA may also temporarily close lanes along eastbound and westbound MD 450 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and overnights between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

The work is part of a $1 million safety improvement project along MD 450 (Annapolis Road) from the I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) off ramp to 85th Avenue. SHA will add audible pedestrian signals to the existing traffic signal at the  MD 450/85th Avenue intersection and install vehicle detection cameras to monitor traffic and vehicle queuing.  Crews will also remove and replace curb and gutter, sidewalks and concrete median, reconstruct sidewalk ramps for Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, resurface MD 450, install new pavement markings, clean inlets and storm drain pipes, and construct new crosswalks.

Signs alerting motorists to the left turn lane closure and project detour route have been in place since January.  Additional signage alerting motorists to the lane closure and detour were installed in February and changes have been made to signal timing along MD 450 to alleviate congestion within the project footprint. SHA will use electronic message boards, construction cones, barrels and arrow boards to direct motorists through the work zone. More than 25,000 vehicles use the MD 450/85th Avenue intersection daily.

As crews work to keep work zones safe, 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 Web site. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

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