(April 9, 2013) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) recently began a project to extend the sound barrier along southbound
I-95 near Montgomery Road in Howard County. The $1.8 million project will benefit residents in the northern portion of the Timberview Community in Elkridge. Weather permitting, the project will be complete in September.
SHA is constructing approximately 2,000 feet of new sound barrier from one mile north of MD 100 to Montgomery Road. The new wall will result in at least a seven decibel reduction in noise for 18 homes adjacent to I-95. The project also includes guardrail replacement and landscaping. Howard County, as required by SHA policy, provided 20 percent of the funding for the project.
During construction, the southbound shoulder will be closed in the work area and a concrete barrier has been placed to protect motorists and work crews. Work will take place between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays and some weekends and is not expected to affect traffic.
SHA awarded the contract to Brawner Builders Inc. of Hunt Valley. Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along I-95 or other State numbered routes in Howard County may call SHA’s District Office Seven at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119.
The project is part of SHA’s Type II Sound Barrier Program, which provides sound barrier construction in situations where the majority of residences pre-date the construction of an existing highway. Additional information about SHA’s sound barrier policy can be found at
www.roads.maryland.gov.
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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