STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION BEGINS CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CHESTERTOWN ROUNDABOUT

MDOT SHA Logo

MDOT SHA Logo

(April 9, 2014) – Now that winter has made its exit, the State Highway Administration (SHA) begins construction of the anticipated roundabout at the intersection of MD 20 (High Street) and MD 291 (Morgnec Road) west of Chestertown on Monday, April 14, weather permitting. The single-lane roundabout will replace the current three-legged intersection at MD 20  and MD 291 in Kent County.  Construction should be complete late summer 2014.

“Construction of the new roundabout in Chestertown has been long anticipated by Kent County residents and will promote the efficient flow of converging traffic on MD 20 and MD 291, ,” said Greg Holsey, District 2 Engineer.“SHA has constructed more than 100 roundabouts across Maryland and there have been no intersection-related fatalities at any of the locations.  The design calms traffic and improves safety for the thousands of people who travel through each day,” Holsey said.

Last fall, utility crews relocated lines in preparation for construction work.  SHA will maintain traffic during construction for all motor vehicles. For most of the project, all drivers will encounter temporary single-lane closures from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. SHA’s contractor will use variable message boards, temporary signs, flaggers, cones, and barrels to guide motorists through the work zone.

During the summer months, tractor trailers and other large commercial trucks will be required to travel along a signed detour as the center island is constructed. The detour will use all State-maintained routes and last a few weeks, weather permitting.

SHA’s contractor for the $1.2 million project is David A. Bramble, Inc. of Chestertown.

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.

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. Saver Driving. Safer Work Zones. For Everyone!

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