Roadwork To Begin Soon In Jefferson

Rt. 180 will undergo a resurfacing.

 


Jefferson, Md (KM) A lot of activity is expected to begin soon in the town of Jefferson. The Maryland State Highway Administration says road construction work will take place on Route 180, or Jefferson Pike, from Broad Run Road (Route 383) and Old Holter Road.

Charlie Gischlar, SHA spokesman, calls it a “urban reconstruction project”  which costs $5.8-million. “This project is updating the sidewalks to ADA compliancy, which is 5-feet wide consistency. Also, replacing the damaged curb and gutter and upgrading traffic signals,” he says.  The new traffic lights will be LED signals which are more energy efficient and last longer. “We’re going end up resurfacing the roadway, put new pavement markings in and landscaping to make it look real nice.”

The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2019, says Gischlar.

SHA says this work will be done in stages. “Basically, we’ll close one side of the roadway and shift all of the traffic over to one while we complete the repairs and kind of  do the vice versa, and put traffic on to the new section,” he says. “And then go-ahead and construct the other section.”

Gischlar urges motorists heading through that workzone to slow down, stay alert and be aware of any reduced speed limits. “This is going to be a very, very tight workzone there so it’s important to slow down, think orange, the color of construction,” he says. “Put the phone down; shouldn’t have it in your hand anyway. It’s against the law now. So really pay close attention for your safety and that of our contractors and our SHA employees.”

Drivers can expect to see road crews in this area of Route 180 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

Motorists who want the latest on road conditions, or alternate routes to avoid road construction work, you can call 511, or visit www.md511.org. for live traffic updates. The access the interactive map, click on e-Road Ready 2017.

More than 5,000 motorists travel that stretch of Jefferson Pike each day, according to SHA.

 

By Kevin McManus