(June 13, 2011) – Work is now underway by the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) to improve two intersections on US 40 Alternate (Old National Pike) east of Middletown in Frederick County.  Crews began work in late May for the $600,000 project and will be complete this fall, weather permitting.

As part of SHA’s continued safety improvements, crews are constructing new dedicated left turn lanes on US 40 Alternate at Beachtree Drive and Willow Drive intersections.  Traffic flow on US 40 Alternate will also be improved by removing stopped left turning vehicles waiting to access adjacent developments from the through lanes.

New left turn lanes will improve safety for those accessing the Fountaindale and Fountaindale South communities.  SHA slightly widened both intersections, improved drainage and reset existing guardrail to accommodate the wider intersection.  Crews will also resurface both intersections and apply new pavement markings next week. 

During construction motorists should expect single lane and shoulder closures Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  More than 11,000 vehicles travel through these intersections each day; motorists should plan for delays.

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.  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.  

SHA awarded the contract to Concrete General, Inc. of Gaithersburg.  Those who have questions about traffic operations on US 40 Alternate or other State numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119. 

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