Annapolis (June 17, 2004) - The Department of Public Works has temporarily closed a ¾ mile section of Jumpers Hole Road in Severna Park to make emergency road and storm drain repairs.  Jumpers Hole Road is closed between East West Boulevard and Copperwood Drive near the community of Brittingham until approximately 6:00 p.m. today.

On Thursday morning, the Department of PublicWorks was notified of the failing road caused by a deteriorated storm drain pipe.  Due to the hazardous condition of the road, the Department of Public Works closed the road and started emergency repairs in cooperation with the Maryland Department of the Environment, Wetlands and Waterways Programs.

All motorists, except for local traffic, should avoid the area and use an alternate route through Friday afternoon.  It is suggested that motorists use East West Boulevard, Ritchie Highway (Maryland Route 2) and Earleigh Heights Roads as a detour route.

Flagmen will be on-site and signs will be posted to direct traffic away from the construction site.  Crews expect to have the pipe replaced and a temporary road surface in place by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, at which time the road may be temporarily reopened. The road will be closed again Friday so that permanent road resurfacing can take place.  Crews expect to have all work completed and the road fully open to all traffic Friday afternoon.