(May 5, 2011) – Those who live and travel along US 40 corridor will soon encounter a changing traffic pattern along westbound US 40. On Monday, May 9 after the morning rush hour, SHA will reduce westbound US 40 from two lanes to ONE lane. This closure will be in place 24 hours a day through early fall to allow construction of the first of two temporary two-lane bridges that will carry traffic across the Patapsco River.

This shift is a critical step forward for the $18 million construction project to rehabilitate and partially reconstruct the 75-year old bridge over the Patapsco River. While the bridge is safe for travelers, various sections of the bridge will be replaced and upgraded. The entire project is expected be complete in summer 2013, weather permitting.

Crews began site work in February, setting up environmental controls and securing utilities for the 334-foot long concrete arch bridge that is nearly 65 feet above Patapsco River. SHA will reconstruct the bridge from the arches upward; the project includes removal, replacement and slight widening of the bridge deck (riding surface) removal and replacement of parapet walls (barriers on the sides of the deck) as well as the deteriorated bridge deck supports.

"Maryland’s bridges are critical to sustaining economic development and quality of life for thousands of motorists," said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen. "SHA is committed to keeping at one lane open in each direction along US 40 for travelers."

The temporary bridges – one on each side of existing US 40 - will carry traffic during construction. Next week crews will stripe westbound US 40 as a single lane. This work is expected to take up to three nights, allowing crews to place the barrier on the bridge. SHA then will begin construction of the two-lane temporary westbound bridge which will take place through early fall.

Once this bridge is complete, crews will shift traffic to the two-lane temporary bridge while making improvements. The construction of the temporary eastbound bridge will not require a long-term, 24 hour closure; however, single lane closures along eastbound US 40 will take place during off-peak travel hours. The same traffic shift may take place near the end of the project to remove the temporary bridges in 2013.

During construction work, pedestrians and cyclists will not be able to use the bridge crossing due to narrowed lane widths. Motorists should prepare for delays, especially when traveling westbound US 40 during the evening rush hour. Commuters traveling from US 40 to Ellicott City or Frederick may wish to use alternate routes such as I-70 or MD 144 (Frederick Road).

This summer and fall, temporary single lane closures along eastbound US 40 may occur at any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday - Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday and between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. the next day Sunday - Thursday. No temporary lane closures are scheduled between 3 p.m. Friday and 9 p.m. Sunday.

SHA and the contractor ask motorists to plan ahead for lane closures and extra travel time, and to drive at the appropriate signed speed limit. SHA will reduce the speed limit along this section of US 40 from 45 mph to 40 mph through the work zone.

The Patapsco Valley State Park entrances along US 40 are open during construction; however SHA and the State Park rangers will prohibit park visitors from traveling within the work zone on and underneath the bridge within the park. All other park areas will remain open for day visitors and campers.

Once the rehabilitation project is complete, the US 40 bridge will have two 12-foot inside lanes, two 11-foot outside lanes, five-foot outside safety shoulders on each side and a concrete median barrier. SHA awarded the project contract to Corman Construction, Inc. of Annapolis Junction, Md. SHA has a few ways you can stay in touch with the US 40 project:

• By Web: Follow Us on Facebook at MD SHA US 40 PATAPSCO BRIDGE or stay updated on the project’s progress on www.roads.maryland.gov.
  
• By Mail: State Highway Administration, District 4 Office, 320 West Warren Road, Hunt Valley MD 21030
  
• By E-mail: Do you have project questions? Contact SHA by sending correspondence to SHADistrict4@sha.state.md.us
  
• By Phone: Contact project staff at the project field office at 410-461-1953 or toll-free at 1-866-998-0367 to reach SHA District 4 Construction Division.

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