(August 17, 2015) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration recently started a project that will improve safety and ease congestion for more than 14,000 vehicles per day at the MD 32 (Sykesville Road)/MD 97 (New Washington Road) intersection in Carroll County. The $2.8 million project will be complete summer 2016, weather permitting.

SHA will install exclusive left turn lanes from eastbound and westbound MD 32 to MD 97. The project is necessary to improve traffic operations at the intersection, particularly during morning and afternoon peak drive times.  Other work includes:

• Installing concrete channelization islands for easier right turn access on both roads;

• Replacing the existing traffic signal at the intersection with newer and efficient LED systems and new left turn phasing;

• Creating bio-swales and other stormwater ponds for effective highway drainage;

• Patching, grinding (removing the top layer of asphalt), resurfacing and re-striping the intersection; and

• Installing new concrete curb and gutter.

Crews may close a single lane daily between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and nightly between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.  SHA’s contractor for the project is L.W. Wolfe Enterprises of  Myersville.

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. 

Road crews are well into mid-summer construction. Click here for a listing of major SHA construction projects throughout Maryland. For the latest real-time travel information, log onto www.md511.org.