(June 9, 2011) –This Sunday, the State Highway Administration (SHA) will repair pavement along MD 53 (Winchester Road) between Vocke Road and Oakleaf Drive in LaVale, Allegany County. SHA will begin the $100,000 project on Sunday, June 12 at 6 a.m. and be completed by 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Regrettably, the material used on the project cannot be completed overnight because sunlight is required.  Traffic will not be permitted on the newly sealed road sections until it has properly dried which takes approximately one to four hours depending on amount of sunlight.

Motorists should expect traffic shifts as the project moves forward.  Access to adjacent homes and business will not be permitted until the outside lanes have properly dried.  Citizens who need to leave their homes between 6 and 10 a.m. are advised to make arrangements to park their vehicles at other locations outside of the project area with property owners’ permission by late Saturday afternoon.

“SHA appreciates motorists’ patience during this weekend work,” said SHA District 6 Engineer Anthony Crawford.  “Last week, crews distributed reminder cards to businesses and residents. It is our hope that this minimal disruption will result in long-term benefits for travelers.”

“Slurry seal” is an overlay application used to reduce pavement deterioration, improve traction for vehicles and decrease the potential for hydroplaning. Once the sealant is applied, SHA will also change the traffic pattern to improve access for adjacent businesses and homes.  Crews will restripe the pavement to create a center turn lane, thereby removing several left turn lanes along this section and improve traffic operations along MD 53.

SHA awarded the contract to Slurry Pavers of Virginia.  SHA encourages motorists to stay alert in work zones and slow down.  Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on MD 53 or other state numbered routes in Allegany County, may call SHA’s District 6 Office toll free at 1-800-760-7138. 

Construction season is here and active work zone sites will be present around State, including major construction projects taking months to complete and mobile operations requiring only minutes.  Log onto www.roads.maryland.gov and view e-Road Ready 2011 to learn more about Washington County projects.

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert - look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.
             

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