(April 2, 2014) – Beginning Friday, April 11, CSX Transportation will begin repairs to their railroad crossing at US 301 (Crain Highway) near Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s County, which will require the temporary closure of a tenth of mile section of north and southbound US 301 between Chew Road and the Marlboro Crossroads area just south of MD 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue).  CSX crews will close northbound US 301 lanes at 5 p.m. and southbound US 301 lanes at 7 p.m.  All lanes are scheduled to open no later than Monday, April 14 at 5 a.m. 

 

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is assisting by providing regional and local signed detours to help drivers navigate around the work area.  SHA also is deploying Emergency Traffic Patrols in this area to direct and assist motorists.  Regional travelers may use MD 4, I-495 (Capital Beltway), MD 5, and US 301.  Local travelers and residents will be directed to use MD 4, MD 223 and Rosaryville Road.  Residents and local businesses will have access to their properties.  Portable electronic message signs will be placed along US 301 on Friday, April 4 alerting drivers to the upcoming work.  Cones and barrels will also alert motorists to the work zone. 

 

Engineers determined that a weekend closure will allow CSX repair crews to complete the work in the shortest time possible.  Travelers are strongly advised to plan for extra time during this temporary closure.  SHA also encourages residents to support area businesses that will be open during the closure.

 

CSX Transportation will perform the $400,000 maintenance work to remove the deteriorated steel reinforced rubber panels and replace them with a new asphalt surface with shaped rubber edge sealing pieces.  Crews will stage equipment along the railroad’s right-of-way and work along all four travel lanes of US 301.  This section of US 301 carries more than 32,000 vehicles per day.  Those who have questions about the work may call 1-877-TELL-CSX (877-835-5279).  In case of inclement weather, the repairs will take place the weekend of April 25th. 

 

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 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.  Drivers, passengers as well as workers are at risk. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone.