BALTIMORE – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has completed a $1.9 million project to replace a small structure and pipes that carry Otter Pond Branch under US 50 near MD 331 (Rhodesdale-Vienna Road). 

The project involved removing three aging metal pipes installed in 1988 and replacing them with two reinforced concrete pipes.  

“This effort is a great example of our system preservation initiative,” said State Highway Administrator Tim Smith in a statement May 16. “The structure supported by new concrete pipes maintains safety and mobility as a part of the State Highway Administration’s goal of keeping Maryland’s transportation system in a state of good repair.” 

The project began in September 2022 and is part of the State Highway Administration’s bridge system preservation program that provides structure improvements in a timely manner. Contractor David A. Bramble, of Chestertown, performed the work to address the aging infrastructure.

In other work, the Highway Administration began a repaving project on Monday, on a stretch of about two miles of westbound US 50 between Big Mill Pond and east of Mill Road. Work will be conducted 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and during those times drivers can expect single-lane closures. The project is expected to be complete by the end of June, weather permitting.

Motorists will be safely guided through the work zone with a flagging operation, cones and arrow boards. Drivers should expect significant delays during work hours. Hot asphalt may require up to two hours to cool before drivers and pedestrians can safely cross the new road surface. Contractor George & Lynch Inc. will perform the work.

“The State Highway Administration understands road work can be an inconvenience, but the work is necessary to maintain a safe and reliable transportation system,” a statement from the agency said. “To protect themselves and our work crews, drivers are asked to stay alert, stay focused, look for reduced speed limits as well as driving pattern changes, and slow down in construction zones. Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.”

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, visit the project portal. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.