It will involve the construction of a right turn lane.
Mount Airy, Md (KM) Motorists who regularly use Route 27 (Ridge Road) near Center Street in Mount Airy will notice some roadwork being done in the area. Starting on Monday, February 13th, the Maryland State Highway Administration will begin construction of a right turn lane on northbound Route 27.
“Motorists can expect daily single lane closures in this area, and occasional lane shifts while we are constructing that new turn lane. And will between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday,” says Lindsey Franey, a spokeswoman for the SHA.
She says the work, which will also include drainage improvements on southbound Route 27, and the resurfacing of one-half mile of roadway, is expected to completed by fall.
Franey says this intersection has its share of problems. “If you proceed northbound on Maryland 27, we saw a backup in this area due to motorists trying to turn right,” she says.
The addition of a right turn lane will help move traffic along a little smoother. “So, currently, there’s a left turn lane. So now with these improvements, we’ll have three lanes: we’ll have a left turn lane; now a right turn lane; and a through lane so that motorists can proceed on to northbound Maryland 27,” says Franey.
SHA has awarded the contract for this construction to Congressional Contracting, Inc., of Rockville. The company will use cones, barrels and message boards to guide motorists through that section of Route 27.
Drivers are urged to stay alert and make sure to modify their driving as they travel through this workzone.
By Kevin McManus