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(April 4, 2013) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) advises motorists on West Friendship Road (MD 851) in Howard County to expect lane closures with flagging starting next week as crews mill, patch and resurface the pavement on the .42 mile section of roadway between MD 32 and the Carroll County line. The work will begin Monday, April 8, and will be complete by June 30, weather permitting.
Lane closures will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. SHA will use flaggers, signs, cones and barrels to guide motorists through the work zone.
Once the project is complete, the daily average of 1,314 drivers will travel on a smoother, safer pavement surface with fresh, bright lines. SHA awarded the $300,000 contract to P. Flanigan and Sons, Inc. of Baltimore. Anyone with questions about traffic operations on MD 851 or other State numbered routes in Howard County may contact SHA’s District 7 office at 301-624-8100 or toll-free at 800-635-5119, or by email at
SHADistrict7@sha.state.md.us.
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.