CUMBERLAND — The State Highway Administration has begun a $3.4 million safety improvement project to replace the guardrail on Interstate 68 in Allegany County. Weather permitting, the project should be completed in fall 2010.

Guardrail will be replaced in various locations along I-68 between east of Hillcrest Drive and M.V. Smith Road just east of Cumberland. New galvanized guardrail being installed in a 17-mile section will improve safety and better withstand salt applications during the winter season, according to SHA.

Motorists should be prepared for single-lane and shoulder closures Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to noon. This section of I-68 carries an average of 16,000 vehicles each day. This project is made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Web site www.recovery.maryland.gov, tracks every category of ARRA spending and provides contract-level details.

Questions about traffic operations may be directed to SHA’s District 6 Office at (301) 729-8400 or (800) 760-7138.