(SALISBURY, Md.) - "It's a major undertaking, and again, this is the work before the work. We haven't even started the bridge work yet," said Maryland State Highway Spokesman Bob Rager.
In Wicomico County, crews work diligently to prepare the Salisbury Bypass for major bridge work. 11 Bridges will be rehabbed in six areas across the bypass over the next two years. It is a nearly 24 million dollar job. The first step is to make sure crews have created bidirectional traffic and have built appropriate medians along the bypass.
Some people are worried the work will cause traffic issues. "So it will be a headache. I believe it will cause a lot of confusion, aggressive driving, impatience," said Lydia Childs of Salisbury.
Originally four lanes, two in either direction, north and south, the bypass will be down to just two lanes in one direction. Crews are still along the bypass, paving, just to make sure drivers are able to travel safely and successfully.
Less lanes means slower speed - 65 MPH TO 55MPH.
Some folks from Salisbury are dissatisifed with the lane restrictions. "I know from experience if they're to drop it down to one lane, it'll be a disaster, and thinking about that here could be mayhem," said Oscar Escalante.
The state put out an animation showing exactly what is going to happen to the major roadway. One side of Route 13 will be closed so drivers will have to snake their way over to the other lanes and share one side of the roadway.
Bob Rager says the limited lanes is best for everyone."But also when we separate traffic from the work zone, it makes it a lot safer for everybody - for the workers, the motorists, everybody. Just be alert for changing conditions," he adds.
Bridge rehab begins Monday morning. Bridge work includes steel and concrete repairs as well patching and resurfacing the bridges.
The project is expected to be complete by summer 2018.
For more information on the project and the exact locations of bridge rehab, please click the attached link.