Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration will begin resurfacing two and one-half miles along MD 228 (Berry Road) between the Prince George’s County line and Middletown Road in Waldorf, Charles County.  This is the first of six SHA resurfacing projects in Charles County funded through Phase I of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the federal stimulus plan.

Last week, crews began layout and staging work in anticipation of this week’s operations.  Weather permitting, crews will begin milling the existing road surface this week.  Work will also include patching, resurfacing and restriping.  Completion is expected by mid-July, weather permitting.

MD 228 extends from US 301 in Charles County to MD 210 (Indian Head Highway) in Prince George’s County.  An average of more than 34,000 vehicles per day travel the 2.5 mile section of roadway currently slated for resurfacing.  The remaining five resurfacing projects associated with this $4.6 million project; the estimated start and completion dates  are weather dependent:

Summer 2009

• MD 224 (Livingston Road) from MD 225 (Hawthorne Road) to Ford Drive – estimated start early June, estimated completion late July (1.3 miles).
• MD 225 from MD 210 to Pennies Road – estimated start late June, estimated completion late July (1.5 lane miles).
• MD 6 (Charles Street) from Baltimore Street to US 301 – estimated start late July.  This project is expected to take approximately one week to complete (0.10 lane mile.)
• MD 488 (LaPlata Road) from MD 6 to MD 5 (Leonardtown Road) – estimated start late July, estimated completion early September (6 miles).
 Fall 2009
• MD 234 (Budds Creek Road) from Wicomico Ridge Road to Sycamore Road – estimated start mid-September, estimated completion late October (1.25 miles).

Under a contract with Bardon, Inc., more than 12 lane miles of state roadway will be resurfaced in Charles County.  Patching on all of the Charles County resurfacing projects is scheduled to take place weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and paving may take place during daytime or overnight hours.  All work may involve temporary single lane and shoulder closures.  Schedules, dates and work times for all projects are subject to change depending on weather and other factors.

These projects will provide long-term cost savings by extending roadway service life, and will improve safety by improving traction, drainage and visibility of lane markings.  The roadway resurfacing will also result in improved ride quality which can reduce vehicle tire and suspension wear.  Projects such as these are stimulating Maryland’s economy by providing and preserving thousands of jobs.

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.