Heavy rains postponed the work
Frederick, MD – The replacement of a guard rail and reinforcement of a slope on Rt. 40A Eastbound is scheduled to complete by the end of August.
The $2.3 million construction project began in June 2018 and currently has closed off the right lane and shoulder of eastbound U.S. 40A between Fern Lane and Ridge road.
State Highway Administration Spokesperson Shantée Felix said the mountainside was affected by 7 inches of rain in May 2018, causing significant erosion and requiring repairs.
“[construction crews] need to do some guard rail work, they need to do some minor paving,” Felix said. “Once the roads opens to traffic, that’s when our crews will go out and do the landscaping as well.
Felix said the construction was delayed due to wet weather affecting the area throughout 2018 and early 2019.
“This is a project where we need dry soil,” Felix said. “There’s been rain and muddy conditions, and that’s not possible for this project.”
Drivers can check for Maryland road closures and construction at www.md511.org
By Timothy Young