(June 23, 2009) – Earlier this month, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) began a $580,000 intersection improvement project along MD 135 (Westernport Road) at Paxton Street/Chesapeake Avenue in McCoole, Allegany County. SHA anticipates completion of the improvements in August, weather permitting.          
          
Currently, trucks navigating the MD 135/Paxton Street intersection are forced to alternate turning movements at the intersection due to the lack of turning radius and pavement width. When complete later this summer, motorists along eastbound MD 135 will have a wide left turn onto northbound Paxton Street/Chesapeake Avenue and motorists along southbound Paxton Street/Chesapeake Avenue will have dedicated, wider left and right-turn lanes. The improvements will enhance intersection operations and improve safety.           
          
MD 135 and MD 135B (Paxton Street/Chesapeake Avenue) are used to access US 220, a major north/south route for truck travel. As part of the project, SHA will also resurface the intersection, install new pavement markings, signs and improve stormwater management.           
          
Motorists along US 220 wanting to access MD 135 are currently being detoured to Crooks Avenue, which connects with MD 135 just west of Paxton Street/Chesapeake Avenue. Motorists should expect very minor delays.          
          
During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones across Maryland. Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
          
SHA awarded the contract to IA Construction Corporation of Cumberland. Those who have questions about traffic operations on MD 135 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. SHA reminds all drivers to buckle up, obey posted speed limits, think orange, and stay alert in the work zone.           
          
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