Reduced Speed Limit Goes into Effect Next Week

(August 31, 2018) -The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is temporarily reducing the speed limit on US 50 (Ocean Gateway) at MD 353 (Sixty Foot Road) in Wicomico County. Beginning Tuesday, September 4, MDOT SHA will lower the speed limit through this 1.5-mile long active work zone from 55 mph to 45 mph. Signs will be posted advising motorists of the change. The new speed limit will remain in effect throughout construction. Motorists should also be alert for occasional, off-peak, single lane closures on US 50 and construction equipment entering and exiting the highway.

MDOT SHA recently began a project to improve safety at this intersection by adding traffic signals, advance warning signals and median left turn lanes. Completion is expected by spring 2019. An average of 31,000 vehicles travel this portion of US 50 each day and volumes are significantly higher during the summer months as US 50 is a primary route to Ocean City. More than 5,000 vehicles travel on Sixty Foot Road each day. David A. Bramble of Chestertown is constructing this nearly $3.2 million project.

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.