Community Corner

Traffic is on the Horizon as Construction Picks Up on US 40

Lane closures, reduced speeds, traffic jams-they're all in the future as crews set about rehabilitating the US 40 bridge over the Patapsco River.

If you travel US 40 along the Catonsville/Ellicott City border, it may be time to find an alternate route. 

Beginning Monday, May 9, the westbound side of the US 40 bridge that carries traffic over the Patapsco River will be reduced to one lane while crews build the first of two temporary two-lane bridges. 

The closures will be in effect 24 hours a day until early fall.

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The 75-year-old bridge is getting a facelift as part of an $18 million construction project; some pieces of the bridge will be upgraded, some replaced. According to the State Highway Administration, the entire project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2013.

“Maryland’s bridges are critical to sustaining economic development and quality of life for thousands of motorists,” SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen said in a statement.  “SHA is committed to keeping at one lane open in each direction along US 40 for travelers.”

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Crews plan to build two temporary bridges, one for east- and westbound traffic. The temporary westbound bridge is scheduled to be completed in the fall. Traffic will be directed onto the temporary bridge while crews work on the main road.

According to the SHA, construction of the temporary eastbound bridge won’t require the same, long-term lane closures. 

The bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclist during construction, and drivers – especially westbound, rush hour drivers – should plan for delays or take alternate routes such as I-70 or Frederick Road. Patapsco State Park’s US 40 entrances will remain open during construction.

SHA will also lower the speed limit from 45 to 40 mph in the work zone.

Look out for temporary single-lane closures along eastbound US 40 any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday – Thursday; between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday; and between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. the next day Sunday - Thursday. No temporary lane closures are scheduled between 3 p.m. Friday and 9 p.m. Sunday.

There are a few ways to keep track of all of these dates and times and closures:

  • Web: Follow Us on Facebook at MD SHA US 40 PATAPSCO BRIDGE or stay updated on the project’s progress onwww.roads.maryland.gov.
  • Mail: State Highway Administration, District 4 Office, 320 West Warren Road, Hunt Valley MD  21030
  • E-mail: Do you have project questions? Contact SHA by sending correspondence to SHADistrict4@sha.state.md.us
  • Phone:  Contact project staff at the project field office at 410-461-1953 or toll-free at 1-866-998-0367 to reach SHA District 4 Construction Division.


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