(July 16, 2015) – Traffic patterns are changing on MD 140 (Westminster Pike) at the Baltimore/Carroll County line starting Saturday, July 18, as the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) Bridge Reconstruction Project enters its third phase. Since April, traffic on the bridge has been restricted to three lanes, one of which is reversible in direction to accommodate the heaviest traffic flow in the mornings and evenings.
In the new phase, the bridge will continue to have two eastbound lanes in the morning and two westbound lanes in the evening, but the location of the reversible lane will change and the active work zone will be at the center of the bridge, between traffic lanes.
In the evenings, the two westbound lanes will be split, with crews working between them. In addition, during off-peak hours, the far west lane will be closed and the bridge will be limited to two lanes.
Drivers are urged to stay alert when approaching the work zone, obey the overhead lane control signals, which will indicate lane direction with green arrows and red “X” s, and to watch for workers, equipment, and the signs and barrels that will be used for temporary lane closures.
SHA is temporarily reducing the speed limit from 50 mph to 45 mph through the work zone for worker and motorist safety. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speeds, remain alert for work crews and equipment entering and exiting the work area.
The MD 140 Bridge was constructed in 1946. It is structurally safe, but showing signs of deterioration due to age, requiring rehabilitation. SHA’s contractor for the project is Anchor Construction Corp. of Washington, D.C. Weather permitting; Anchor and SHA will reopen the bridge to four lanes later this year and anticipate completing the final phase of the project spring 2016.
SHA offers a bird’s eye view of the project 24-7 through a closed-circuit camera feed on the project web page. For questions about the MD 140 Bridge project or others in Frederick, Carroll or Howard counties, please call the SHA District 7 Office at 1-800-635-5119.
In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones. Always expect the unexpected, pay extra close attention and drive slowly through any work zone. Whether it’s a tree trimming operation or a bridge project, be aware when orange is there: Think Orange (the color of construction equipment and signs), stay alert and slow down. Everyone is at risk. In four out of five work zone-related crashes, it is the driver or passenger who is injured or killed. In 2014, nine people lost their lives in Maryland work zone crashes, including four highway workers. While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to keep traffic safely moving in work zones, please partner with us because work zone safety is everyone’s business – slow down and stay alert. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone.
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