To relieve a traffic congestion at an intersection in Cumberland, the Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration (SHA) is reconstructing MD 51 (Industrial Boulevard) at Virginia Avenue. Weather permitting, crews will complete the $1.4 million project mid-summer.
More than 15,600 vehicles use MD 51/Virginia Avenue each day, making it one of the busiest intersections in Allegany County, especially during the afternoon rush hour. SHA is installing a “Michigan Left” turning movement to help alleviate daily traffic congestion.
As part of the project, Virginia Avenue between each direction of MD 51 (Industrial Boulevard) will be restricted to only northbound movements. Southbound travelers from Virginia Avenue and Springdale Street will make a right turn to go west on MD 51 and then use the median crossover to proceed east on MD 51. Crews will also modify the traffic signal at MD 51 and Virginia Avenue, resurface the roadway, and install new storm drainage and signage.
“SHA designed this project to improve traffic flow at this busy intersection,” said SHA District 6 Engineer Anthony K. Crawford. “We thank everyone in advance for your patience while crews build improvements and ask that drivers partner with SHA in work zone safety. Please slow down and stay alert.”
SHA's contractor, Excavating Associates Inc. of Ellerslie, will construct a median crossover (Michigan Left) west of Springdale Street to link westbound MD 51 with eastbound MD 51.
The contractor will use a flagging operation during signal work and crews may close a single lane between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. to construct the new turn lanes. Additionally, crews will use barrels, digital message signs and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone.
For more information, visit www.md511.org.
