The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will commence overnight pavement repairs on the MD 4 Bridge over the Patuxent River at the Calvert and St. Mary’s County line. The work will begin at 9 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, and is expected to continue through late October, depending on weather conditions.
Single Lane Flagging Operations in Effect
The nighttime operation will involve crews repairing the concrete bridge deck and replacing navigational lights under the bridge. To accommodate the work, MDOT SHA will close one lane of traffic, with flaggers directing vehicles in alternating directions in the open lane. This flagging operation will be in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, for the duration of the project.
Contractor PDI Sheetz Construction Corporation, based in Linthicum Heights, Md., will oversee the repairs. MDOT SHA has installed portable variable message signs along key state routes in the area to alert motorists to the lane closures and encourage them to plan ahead.
Travel Delays and Safety Warnings
Travelers who use the MD 4 Bridge at night are encouraged to plan for delays and allot extra time to complete their journeys. This repair work is deemed essential to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the bridge, which is a critical transportation route for residents of both Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
“MDOT SHA understands the inconvenience caused by lane closures, but this maintenance is necessary to maintain the structural integrity and safety of the bridge,” MDOT SHA said in a statement.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution in the work zone. Motorists should remain alert for potential changes in driving patterns, adhere to posted speed limits, and avoid distractions when traveling through the construction area. Those requiring roadside assistance can dial #77 from their mobile devices.
Contact Information and Resources
For further details or questions regarding the project, travelers can contact the MDOT SHA District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603.
Real-time traffic updates are available through the MDOT 511 service at md511.maryland.gov, which provides traffic conditions, alerts, and detour information.
Additionally, for a comprehensive list of all ongoing MDOT SHA projects, residents and travelers are encouraged to visit the agency’s Project Portal, which provides updates and details on major roadworks across the state.
Project Timeline Dependent on Weather
The repairs are expected to be completed by late October, provided that the weather cooperates. Any adverse weather conditions may result in delays or schedule adjustments. MDOT SHA will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as necessary.
The Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge, spanning the Patuxent River, serves as a vital connector between Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. Ensuring its safety and longevity is a priority for MDOT SHA, as the bridge supports heavy volumes of both local and through traffic.
