(August 26, 2013) – As the summer tourist season winds down at Deep Creek Lake, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is looking ahead to next year with a $1.6 million project to repair a deteriorated concrete wall along US 219 (Garrett Highway).
“The wall is structurally sound, but the worn concrete and exposed rebar detract from the attractiveness of the scenic Deep Creek Lake area,” SHA District Engineer Tony Crawford said. “These repairs will spruce it up in time to help put the area’s best face forward for the International Canoe Federation’s Canoe Slalom World Championships that will be held at Deep Creek Lake in September 2014.”
The project includes major repairs to the 1,356-foot-long wall which runs along the southbound shoulder of US 219 at Fox Den Road. Work will begin in mid-September and proceed through the fall months until weather necessitates a closure, then will resume in spring 2014 with completion expected in early summer 2014, weather permitting.
Motorists on US 219 should expect shoulder closures throughout the duration of the project. During most of the work, both traffic lanes will be maintained and work will take place behind barriers on the southbound shoulder. However, at times, short-term lane closures with flagging will be necessary to allow crews to set up barrier wall, receive deliveries or complete concrete pours. Whenever possible, these flagging operations will be scheduled for times with the least impact to the public. Access to residences along Fox Den Road will be maintained at all times. Advance warning signs, cones, drums, variable message signs, barricades and flaggers will guide motorists through the construction zone.
SHA’s contractor for the project is Charles J. Merlo of Mineral Point, Pa.
This project was made possible with funding from the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013, which maintains crucial system preservation investments and allows Maryland to activate long-term strategies to invest in Maryland’s transportation systems. By putting people back to work in the transportation industry with $4.4 billion in new investments in the next six years, Maryland is creating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and providing Marylanders with the transportation infrastructure necessary to grow and prosper for decades to come.
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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