The State Highway Administration (SHA) is starting a resurfacing and safety project the week of August 11 within the corporate limits of Galena, Kent County. The project includes resurfacing and safety improvements, drainage upgrades, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) sidewalk improvements and traffic signal reconstruction at the intersection of MD 213, MD 290 (East Cross Street), and MD 313 (South Main Street).

Construction includes installing pedestrian signals, creating a sidewalk extension along MD 213 northbound to just past Dogwood Lane and the south side of West Cross Street from the entrance to Briscoe Manor parking lot through the PNC Bank property, installing a crosswalk on MD 213 at Briscoe Manor, adding parking spaces along MD 213 and providing signal pre-emption for emergency vehicles along westbound MD 290.

Crews will remove the island in the southeast quadrant of East Cross Street and South Main Street and replace inlets and pipes under the road. SHA awarded the $1.8 million contract to David A. Bramble, Inc., of Chestertown.

The project is part of SHA’s system preservation program and includes patching and resurfacing sections of the three roadways in the town limits to improve ride quality and the integrity of the pavement. Sidewalk ramps serving the roadways will be brought into compliance with ADA standards.

SHA thanks motorists, cyclists and pedestrians for their patience during construction and reminds everyone to stay alert so no one gets hurt.

The State Highway Administration (SHA) will perform routine maintenance requiring short-term openings of the MD 331 Dover Bridge over the Choptank River on Monday, April 28, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting. SHA will also perform routine maintenance on the MD 213 Chestertown Drawbridge over the Chester River on Wednesday, April 30, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting.

Motorists can expect brief closures of each bridge that will last no longer than those needed for an average vessel to pass through the open swing span.

SHA’s contractor, Covington Machine and Welding, Inc. of Annapolis, will perform the inspection and maintenance. The routine maintenance includes: greasing the bridge locks, testing the opening and closing of the bridge swing span, raising and lowering the traffic gates, checking traffic and navigational lights and checking hydraulic oil levels for bridge motors.

If inclement weather prevents the work as originally planned, it will be rescheduled for the earliest possible weekday date that weather permits. Anyone with questions about the project may contact the SHA District 2 Office at 1-800-637-9740.

As crews strive to keep work zones safe, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving behavior 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!

Now that winter has made its exit, the State Highway Administration (SHA) begins construction of the anticipated roundabout at the intersection of MD 20 (High Street) and MD 291 (Morgnec Road) west of Chestertown on Monday, April 14, weather permitting. The single-lane roundabout will replace the current three-legged intersection at MD 20 and MD 291 in Kent County. Construction should be complete late summer 2014.

“Construction of the new roundabout in Chestertown has been long anticipated by Kent County residents and will promote the efficient flow of converging traffic on MD 20 and MD 291,” said Greg Holsey, District 2 Engineer.“SHA has constructed more than 100 roundabouts across Maryland and there have been no intersection-related fatalities at any of the locations. The design calms traffic and improves safety for the thousands of people who travel through each day,” Holsey said.

Last fall, utility crews relocated lines in preparation for construction work. SHA will maintain traffic during construction for all motor vehicles. For most of the project, all drivers will encounter temporary single-lane closures from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. SHA’s contractor will use variable message boards, temporary signs, flaggers, cones, and barrels to guide motorists through the work zone.

During the summer months, tractor trailers and other large commercial trucks will be required to travel along a signed detour as the center island is constructed. The detour will use all State-maintained routes and last a few weeks, weather permitting.

SHA’s contractor for the $1.2 million project is David A. Bramble, Inc. of Chestertown.