(November 27, 2013) – Downtown Mount Airy shops are open and accessible for Town holiday events, including a parade December 7, as sidewalk construction continues.  The State Highway Administration (SHA) project along Main Street in Mount Airy is underway; however, safe pedestrian access is provided for all visitors, residents and especially Small Business Saturday Shoppers.

“The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is upgrading sidewalks along Main Street for improved safety and accessibility,” said SHA District Engineer David Coyne. “These improvements have taken longer than anticipated, but the contractor is nearing completion and SHA appreciates everyone’s patience. In the meantime, pedestrians can safely walk downtown.”

The sidewalk improvement project includes removing and reconstructing the existing sidewalk, ramps, curb and gutter along Main Street (MD 808A) from Hood Street to north of Center Street to improve drainage and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. In addition, the Main Street crosswalk will be aligned with the stairway leading from the Municipal Parking Lot and a flashing beacon will be installed to alert drivers to the crosswalk.

“Please consider shopping Downtown for your loved ones this season and stop in for a delicious meal,” Mount Airy Mayor Patrick Rockinburg said. “We have two upcoming events in December, Main Street Christmas on December 7 and Happy Thanksgivings on December 19. Please check out www.mountairymd.org/events for more information.”

Downtown parking is available on Center Street, at the Municipal Parking Lot accessible from Cross Street, in the Railyard at 3 North Main St., and next to Ben Gue Gifts & Collectables at 2 South Main St.

SHA’s contractor for the $455,188 project is Rivers Construction Group LTD of Silver Spring. 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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