(June 28, 2013) – A State Highway Administration (SHA) project to replace a small bridge in the St. James area will have traffic impacts for Washington County motorists starting Monday, July 1.

Starting Monday and continuing through the fall, motorists traveling on MD 68 (Lappans Road) between MD 65 (Sharpsburg Pike) and MD 632 (Downsville Pike) will encounter a single-lane yield situation similar to what is common on one-lane bridges in Washington County. Motorists will need to yield to oncoming traffic in this short, one-lane section. Vehicles wider than 11 feet should use another route. Weather permitting, the project will be complete and the normal, two-way traffic pattern will be restored on October 8.

As part of this $1 million project, SHA will remove an existing, deteriorated corrugated metal pipe culvert at St. James Run, near Shawley’s Lane, and replace it with a new concrete slab panel bridge. The project will aslo include reconstructing and paving the roadway approaches, stormwater management measures, traffic barrier upgrades, landscape plantings, and installing new signs and reflective pavement markings. SHA’s contractor for the project is Charles J. Merlo, Inc. of Mineral Point, Pa.

Customers with questions about operations on MD 68 or other State numbered routes in Washington County may contact SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400, or toll-free at 800-760-7138.

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!

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