New Traffic Pattern Coming To MD 404

From MDOT: The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will temporarily shift MD 404 (Queen Anne Highway) traffic onto a new two-mile section of roadway between Fox Meadow Road/Church Lane and Owens Road/Newtown Road near US 50 on Thursday.
The new traffic pattern will expedite construction of several large box culverts and pipes under the old MD 404 roadway. The temporary shift completely removes traffic from the immediate work area, improving safety for workers and motorists, as well as reducing congestion by minimizing flagging operations at the west end of the $160 million, 9.2-mile MD 404 dualization project.

Crews have been taking advantage of relatively mild winter weather to build what will become the westbound lanes of the dual highway. Temporarily placing all MD 404 traffic on this new section is a critical step in keeping the priority project on-track for completion by Thanksgiving.

The project’s aggressive schedule – construct 9.2 miles of four-lane, divided highway in less than 18 months – means that motorists will see substantial construction activity throughout the busy summer travel season. MD 404 is a major route linking Baltimore and Washington, DC metro areas to Maryland and Delaware beaches. SHA urges everyone considering summer travel through this area to plan now – become familiar with alternate routes and traffic information services such as 511. Travel off-peak – late night and very early morning hours when there is less traffic. Above all, be patient no matter which route you take. If you must travel through the MD 404 work zone allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Expect multiple flagging operations and delays as well as a reduced work zone speed limit of 45 mph.

(SHA photo: At the east end of the temporary shift, traffic will crossover to and from the “new” MD 404 roadway (right) near the Fox Meadow Road/Church Lane intersection.)

Click here for additional project information.

Maryland drivers can also know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including construction delays and lane closures.

Photo courtesy of MDOT