The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin a project next week to replace three aging metal culvert pipes that carry Otter Pond Branch under US 50 (Ocean Gateway) near MD 331 (Rhodesdale Vienna Road) in the Vienna area of Dorchester County. The $1.9 million project should be complete by early spring, weather permitting. This project was previously announced September 21 with a different start date.
Beginning Tuesday, October 11, MDOT SHA will replace the metal pipes, which were originally installed in 1990, with reinforced concrete pipes. Crews will work 10-hour shifts Mondays through Fridays. Crews are permitted to work during the day or at night, depending on the progress of the project. All work will be conducted behind concrete barriers. Motorists should expect lane and shoulder closures, reduced lane widths and lane shifts in both directions of US 50 during construction.
MDOT SHA contractor David A. Bramble, of Chestertown, will use temporary traffic barriers, signs, reflective barrels, and electronic arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone. The project — part of MDOT SHA’s bridge system preservation program that provides reliable structures in a timely manner — will support the safety and mobility of motorists and reduce maintenance costs.
The Move Over Law in Maryland requires motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares or other caution signals. The expanded law is in place to protect emergency responders and motorists who encounter a roadside emergency.
For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.
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