SHA ENHANCES SAFETY ALONG US 15 WITH LEFT TURN CHANGE

MDOT SHA Logo

MDOT SHA Logo

(April 12, 2013) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is making a change along US 15 in Frederick to improve safety and traffic flow for the 44,000 drivers who travel the area every day.  SHA advises motorists on US 15 (Catoctin Mountain Highway) that beginning Monday, April 15, left turns will be prohibited from northbound US 15 onto Willow Road; drivers destined to Willow Road may continue north on US 15 and make a U-turn at Biggs Ford Road, the next intersection to the north.

SHA is implementing the permanent restriction to manage traffic related to a nearby development and to improve safety due to the limited sight distance for northbound left-turning drivers and the speed and volume of traffic on US 15. The change will make the intersection right-in/right-out only; left turns from Willow Road onto northbound US 15 are already prohibited.

As part of the Homewood at Willow Ponds development, SHA and the City of Frederick required the developer to construct concrete islands to restrict the northbound left-turn movement. Weather permitting, the developer will begin construction of the islands and implement the left-turn restriction Monday morning at approximately 9 a.m. During construction, barrels will be used to block the left-turn movement. Portable message signs have been set up since Tuesday, April 9, to alert drivers to the upcoming change.

Anyone with questions about traffic operations on US 15 or other State numbered routes in Frederick County may contact SHA’s District 7 office at 301-624-8100, or toll-free at 800-635-5119.

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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