Hickory Bypass Lane Closures Loom Until Summer 2027 | The Locally Times
A 1.3-mile guardrail replacement project will shut down lanes on US 1 Hickory Bypass for over a year, impacting weekday and overnight commutes until early summer 2027.
Get ready for gridlock: Commuters on the US 1 Hickory Bypass face more than a year of significant traffic disruptions. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is preparing to launch a comprehensive guardrail replacement project that will necessitate lane closures on either northbound or southbound US 1. The work, targeting a 1.3-mile segment of the bypass, is expected to impact travel during weekdays and overnight hours until its estimated completion in early summer 2027, according to a forthcoming announcement from Harford County Parks and Recreation, scheduled for release on April 1, 2026. ## The Work Ahead: Scope and Contractor This 1.3-mile project will focus on replacing guardrails along the median and shoulders of the US 1 Hickory Bypass. MDOT SHA has contracted L. S. Lee, Inc. of York, PA, to execute the work. While the primary objective is guardrail replacement, specific details regarding the exact reason beyond general maintenance are not explicitly provided in available records. The forthcoming April 1 announcement emphasizes the project's long-term nature, urging drivers to plan ahead. ## Commuter Alert: Lane Closure Schedule Drivers should brace for a consistent schedule of lane closures impacting traffic patterns for over a year. The forthcoming April 1 announcement specifies that closures will alternate between northbound and southbound lanes. These are scheduled for weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – directly affecting daytime travel – and overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. A precise start date for the closures has not yet been made public. ## Navigating the Work Zone: Safety and Delays Contractor crews will deploy temporary traffic signs and cones to guide motorists safely through the construction zones. The April 1 announcement will emphasize the importance of motorist vigilance, advising drivers to remain alert and strictly adhere to all posted speed limits. MDOT SHA also encourages drivers to dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance within the work zone. While the project aims to enhance safety, commuters should anticipate longer travel times and increased congestion in the affected areas until the scheduled completion in early summer 2027.