Somerset County, MD - Maryland motorists, particularly those plying the US 13 (Ocean Highway) north from MD 822 (UMES Blvd) to the Wicomico County Line near Eden, should anticipate significant travel delays starting this week. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has announced a major resurfacing project to enhance ride quality on this route. Weather permitting, the project is expected to wrap up by June 1. 

The booting phase of the project, set to commence on Wednesday, April 10, will involve road milling-the removal of the top asphalt layer-to prepare the road for paving. Active work hours have been set as 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. During this time, motorists should brace for single-lane closures and flagging at the intersections and crossovers.

The contractor for this project, Allan Myers of Dover, Del., will deploy arrow boards, cones, and flaggers to guide motorists safely around the worksite. However, significant traffic impact and notable delays during work hours are forecasted despite these measures. 

The State Highway Administration is acutely aware of the inconvenience this work may cause road users, but it urges all motorists to exercise patience and stay alert when traversing the work zone. 

The newly applied hot asphalt may take up to two hours to cool, making it unsafe for both drivers and pedestrians to cross. Motorcyclists are advised to exercise special caution due to potential uneven pavement surfaces during the project.