(March 19, 2013) – On Wednesday night, March 20, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin repairs to the US 522 (Hanock Road) bridge over the Potomac River between Hancock, Maryland, and Morgan County, West Virginia. The work will be completed at night and require the bridge to be reduced to one lane, with flaggers alternating traffic, between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night, seven nights a week. The repairs are expected to take about five weeks and will be complete in late April, weather permitting.

The work consists of replacing bridge joints and seals. The seals, which cover the seams where sections of the bridge come together, are beginning to pull away from the driving surface and must be replaced so they do not become a hazard. SHA inspectors discovered the need for the repairs during a routine bridge inspection on March 13.

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.

SHA is making it easy to get safety tips and information on the go through Twitter @MDSHA and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandStateHighwayAdministration.

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