New, temporary pattern shift in place on Rt. 13

A long-awaited bypass project in Salisbury appears to be moving along as scheduled, as Monday marks a major but temporary traffic shift on Route 13.

“We sent traffic northbound on 13, across the median into the southbound lane of 13,” says Bob Rager. “We set up a barrier wall to make sure that’s a safe traffic flow.”

Rager is a spokesperson for the Maryland State Highway Administration (“SHA”).

Ramp crossovers, concrete barriers, and signage will line major highways in Salisbury through May, according to Rager.

He explains Monday’s bidirectional traffic shift is part of the Salisbury Bypass project, which includes construction on 11 bridges total. He tells 47ABC the goal is to maintain ramp movement at the Route 50 interchange throughout construction.

One of the most of the important things to keep in mind is the speed limit, which is reduced to 55 miles per hour in work zones.

“The median crossovers were designed to handle 55 mile an hour traffic but with that in mind, we want everybody to know that there will be motorists coming through who make not be familiar with the exit ramps,” he says. “Might be a little uncomfortable with them, so we want to make sure everybody driving through the work zone understands they might have to slow down or stop on short notice.”

With the entire project’s expected completion date of summer 2018, Rager says they will be working through the winter, weather dependent.

SHA says overall, traffic was fairly smooth Monday.

They do expect morning and early evening rush hour to be its busiest times.

Additional bridgework is expected to begin Tuesday.