(June 25, 2009) –The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) recently began resurfacing nearly four miles of MD 5 (Leonardtown Road) between MD 247 (Loveville Road) and MD 234 (Budds Creek Road) in Leonardtown, St. Mary’s County. This is the first of three SHA resurfacing projects funded in the county through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, also known as the federal economic stimulus plan.          
          
This two-lane section of MD 5 between Loveville and Leonardtown carries approximately 9,000 vehicles per day. The other two resurfacing projects associated with this contract in St. Mary’s County will also improve ride quality along MD 5. They are:          
          
• Southbound MD 5 from Old Village Road to MD 235 (Three Notch Road) - 3.1 miles. This section of MD 5 in northern St. Mary’s County is a dual highway carrying an average of 30,000 vehicles per day.          
          
• Northbound and southbound MD 5 (Point Lookout Road) from Rosecroft Road to MD 235, a total of 5.5 miles. An average of about 5,000 vehicles per day travel this part of MD 5, which links to Point Lookout State Park as well as U.S. Navy facilities at Webster Field in St. Inigoes.          
          
Work for all projects will include patching, milling, resurfacing and restriping. Using the $4.6 million in ARRA funds, this contract awarded to F. O. Day, Inc. will resurface more than 12 miles of MD 5 in St. Mary’s County. Paving work on the three St. Mary’s County projects is scheduled to take place during overnight hours, and may involve temporary single lane and shoulder closures. Patching work may occur during daytime hours, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Schedules, dates and work times for all projects are subject to change depending on weather and other factors. Motorists should plan on additional drive time through the work zone.           
          
These projects will provide substantial long-term cost savings by extending roadway service life, and will improve safety by improving traction, drainage and visibility of lane markings. Resurfacing will also result in improved ride quality along Maryland roads, which can reduce vehicle tire and suspension wear. Projects such as these also help stimulate Maryland’s economy by providing and preserving thousands of jobs.          
          
Those with questions or comments about improvements along MD 5, MD 235 or other State-numbered routes in St. Mary’s County may contact SHA’s District 5 Office at 1-800-331-5603 or 410-841-1000. SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly and “Think Orange” while driving through highway work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times. Learn more about work zone safety and the Choose Safety for Life campaign at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
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