(April 23, 2012) – Starting Thursday, April 26, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will remove the top layer of asphalt, resurface and restripe nearly three miles of MD 51 (Oldtown Road) between the Evitts Creek Bridge and MD 51 E (Uhl Highway).  Weather permitting, the project will be completed by the end of June.

Motorist should anticipate single lane closures at anytime between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.  SHA will use variable message boards, temporary signs, cones and barrels, along with flagging operations to guide motorists through the work zone.  Approximately 10,000 vehicles per day use Oldtown Road, so motorists should prepare for delays.

SHA awarded the $1.2 million contract to IA Construction Corporation of Cumberland.  As crews strive to keep work zones safe, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert – look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For everyone.

Customers who have questions about traffic operations along MD 51 or other State numbered routes in Allegany County may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.  Motorists may also follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA.

Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

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