(April 22, 2013) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) is improving safety along north and southbound
MD 213 at the intersection with US 50 (Ocean Gateway) in Queen Anne’s County. Weather permitting; the $760,000 intersection improvement project will be completed before the Memorial Day holiday.
Crews recently began construction of new right-turn only lanes on both northbound and southbound MD 213 at the intersection with US 50. The purpose of the new turn lanes is to reduce delays on both approaches to US 50 and separate MD 213 travelers turning right onto US 50 from motorists turning left or crossing US 50.
Typically, when Chesapeake College is in session traffic backs up significantly toward the college.
The problem is greater during the summer because of the high volume of motorists traveling on US 50 and MD 213 to resort beach destinations on the shore. The daily traffic count on US 50 at the MD 213 intersection can double on summer weekends above the annual average daily traffic count of 46,500 vehicles. The intersection improvements will also include milling and resurfacing 1,000 feet of MD 213 immediately adjacent to US 50.
This project will improve safety and efficiency for motorists who use this intersection year-round and during the peak summer travel period,” said Melinda B. Peters, SHA Administrator. “Chesapeake College commuters will benefit from a significant reduction in the time it will take to access US 50 and summer travelers will move more quickly and efficiently through the intersection,” she added.
“We appreciate all the changes that have been made to the intersection of Routes 50 and 213 over the last few years. The left turn lane extensions and signal changes have greatly improved traffic flow and saved lives,” said Monte Garrettson, Chesapeake College Director of Facilities. “Allowing another access lane from the college to US 50 will further improve flow and reduce congestion. As the main artery to our campus, this intersection feeds hundreds of employees, students and visitors into our campus every day,” Garrettson added.
MD 213 is a designated bike route so the turn lane includes a five-foot shoulder to maintain a safe, paved roadway area for bicyclists.
Additionally, SHA will improve storm water management and drainage systems at the U.S. 50/MD 213 intersection. In early March, drainage improvements began on the Chesapeake College campus. SHA is extending nearly 1,000 feet of new stormwater pipe from College Circle, across MD 213, and will tie-in with an existing storm water system between US 50 and Grange Hall Road. This modification will improve drainage on US 50. SHA awarded the contract to JJID, Inc. of Bear, Delaware.
Crews may need to close a single lane on US 50 and MD 213 Sundays through Thursdays from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. SHA is working at night to minimize traffic impacts to motorists. SHA crews will use cones and barrels together with a flagging operation as needed, to direct traffic through the work zone.
While SHA and its transportation 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 and 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.
# # #