New Turn Lane to Improve Flow through MD 33/Railroad Avenue Intersection

(March 29, 2017) – It’s a small change with big benefits. Beginning next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will add a left turn lane from westbound MD 33 (Talbot Street) onto Railroad Avenue in the Talbot County town of St. Michaels. The project will take just a few days and require only minimal paving and striping, but the change will significantly reduce mid-town backups by separating turning vehicles from through traffic at this busy intersection. The new configuration will enhance public safety by greatly improving emergency response times through town during peak travel periods.

MDOT SHA is completing the approximately $80,000 project in time for the busy summer tourist season. To make room for the turn lane, crews from Image Asphalt of Pasadena will widen eastbound MD 33 at the intersection, remove and reset brick sidewalk pavers and granite curb, and eliminate three parking spaces from westbound MD 33. Motorists should expect daytime single lane closures and flagging during construction.

On average, more than 11,000 vehicles travel this part of MD 33 each day. Traffic volume can be much higher during summer weekends as St. Michaels is a popular tourist destination, hosting numerous festivals and events including the Eastern Shore Seaglass and Coastal Arts Festival in early April.

While MDOT 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. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands. For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, click on Road Ready, MDOT SHA's electronic construction brochure. For a look at real-time commute conditions, log onto www.md511.org.