(May 23, 2011) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has big plans to replace aging bridges along the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) this year.  In addition to improving pavement across Maryland roads and highways during the spring and summer months, SHA is replacing or rehabilitating more than 25 bridges across the State and four of them are located on the Baltimore Beltway.

“Many Baltimore Beltway bridges were built along with I-695 in the 1950’s and 1960’s and are approaching the end of their useful service life,” said Neil J. Pedersen, SHA Administrator.  “These ‘Baby Boomer’ bridges need repair or replacement all around the same time.  We thank drivers for their patience in work zones as we ensure highway safety and mobility.”

At a press conference at SHA’s District 4 Office in Cockeysville, SHA Deputy Administrator and Chief Engineer for Operations Greg Welker, along with SHA engineers outlined major area construction that will affect all highway users this spring and summer.  In order to keep a road trip from turning into a slow moving construction tour SHA created “e-Road Ready 2011” to help you avoid construction zones or allow extra time to reach your destination.  SHA is releasing e-Road Ready 2011 on the home page of its website, www.roads.maryland.gov. 

Although there will be hundreds of smaller projects or mobile operations such as pot hole repair and utility operations, e-Road Ready 2011 highlights major construction that will affect highway users during the summer and fall months.  This year is known as “The Year of the Bridge” because more than 25 bridges across the State are being rehabilitated or replaced.

Users of e-Road Ready 2011 will first be greeted with a brief introduction and instruction page, followed by the project pages for SHA’s seven engineering districts, as well the Maryland Transportation Authority, the agency responsible of Maryland’s toll roads and bridges.

Each section of the electronic brochure contains hyperlinks to SHA district offices, each county and SHA projects around the State.  By clicking on the title of the project, users will either be directed to the appropriate section of the SHA’s Projects page (major capital projects) or an electronic map outlining the area that is under construction (mostly resurfacing projects). 

Take the Scenic Route

To increase awareness of Maryland’s less traveled roads, SHA’s e-Road Ready 2011 will feature hyperlinks to Scenic Byways as potential alternate routes to avoid construction delays.  Taking one of Maryland’s 19 scenic byways can provide added enjoyment to your destination and offer fascinating historical facts on Maryland’s heritage and landmarks.

Are You Road Ready?

Before hitting the highway, make sure your vehicle is road ready.  Do the basic “walk-around” of your vehicle and inspect tires for damage, adequate tread and proper inflation.  It’s a good idea to check vital fluid levels such as oil, transmission and windshield washer fluid.  Check all hoses for age or damage and the fan belt system for wear.  Taking an extra 10 minutes to check your vehicle on the basics can save you a headache down the road.

 

What Do You See?

People are SHA’s best source of information on the roadways.  If you notice a pothole, sign down or any other concern on an SHA maintained highway (State numbered routes), log onto www.roads.maryland.gov and click “Contact Us” to report a concern or request.  Items that are entered into the system are automatically directed to the appropriate SHA department and are tracked until the issue is resolved.

Be Safe on the Roads

Since 1991, there has been an average of 2,646 work zone crashes each year in Maryland, injuring more than 1,400 and killing 12 people. Nationally, more than 700 people are killed each year in work zone crashes – the majority of them motorists. 

This construction season, there will be numerous active work zone sites as SHA crews improve roads around the state. E-Road Ready 2011 highlights work zones that feature Maryland SafeZones Automated Speed Enforcement areas.  Work zones are hazardous places for workers, as well as highway users.  In four our of five work zone crashes, it’s the motorists or passenger that is injured or killed in the crash.  Highway speed cameras have been helping to modify driver behavior by reducing vehicle speeds.  The best way to avoid a SafeZones speed camera ticket is by simply slowing down. 

SHA wishes you safe travels.  Remember to never drink and drive, buckle up and always leave plenty of time to reach your destination. 
      
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