(June 14, 2011) – Today the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) opened a section of MD 550 (Sabillasville Road) between Eylers Valley Flint Road and Kelbaugh Road. 

 

SHA closed the road on April 16 after heavy rains created a mudslide which caused the slope adjacent to the road to become unstable, making MD 550 unsafe for traffic. 

 

“SHA regrets the inconvenience the closure has caused for area residents and commuters,” said SHA District 7 Engineer David Coyne.  “Our engineers and geotechnical staff will continue to evaluate permanent solutions to the slope failure that will eventually allow SHA to reopen both lanes on MD 550.”  

 

SHA today turned on a new temporary traffic signal at each approach of the affected area on MD 550 to alternate traffic on the southbound lane.  Crews also installed a temporary barrier with a rock fall fence containment system on the center line of the road capable of catching debris, rocks, or small trees that may fall from the unstable slope.  Concrete General, Inc. of Gaithersburg is SHA’s contractor. 

 

Those who have questions about traffic operations on MD 550 or other State numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at1-800-635-5119.​