Railroad Crossing Repairs of Route 5/ Mattawoman-Beantown Road Rescheduled for July 17-20
Weekend Detour Begins Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m.
The CSX railroad crossing repairs previously scheduled for the weekend of July 10-13 has been rescheduled to July 17-20. CSX Transportation will repair the railroad crossing on MD 5/ Mattawoman-Beantown Road between US 301 and Mattawoman Drive during the weekend of July 17-20. The work requires crews to close the roadway beginning Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m. They plan to reopen MD 5 by Monday morning, July 20 at 5 a.m.
Traffic will be detoured:
-- Northbound motorists traveling MD 5 will be directed to turn left onto Mattawoman Drive and to turn right onto northbound US 301.
-- Southbound motorists traveling US 301 (Crain Highway) / MD 5 will be detoured to turn left onto Mattawoman Drive and then turn right onto southbound MD 5.
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is assisting CSX by providing signage and detours to help drvers navigate around the work area. Residents and local businesses will have access to their properties. SHA will place portable electronic message signs along US 301 and MD 5 alerting drivers to the upcoming work.
CSX Transportation is removing the deteriorated steel reinforced rubber panels and replacing them with a new asphalt surface with shaped rubber edge sealing pieces. Crews will stage equipment along the railroad’s right-of-way and work along travel lanes of MD 5 and will work until the repairs are complete. Those who have questions about the repairs may call 1-877-TELL-CSX, or 877-835-5279. Final plans are underway for crossing repairs at Mattawoman Drive for the weekend of July 24.
Drivers are encouraged to plan for additional travel time the weekend of the closure.
Attend Early Childhood Day and Offer Kids a Great Start
The 2015 Charles County Early Childhood Day event connects parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals to resources and activities to help children get a jump start on education. The rain or shine event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Capital Clubhouse (3033 Waldorf Marketplace, Waldorf).
With a “back-to-school” theme, Early Childhood Day brings child care providers, early learning experts, and organizations that work with children and families together in Charles County. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office will teach kids about safety, My Gym’s Children’s Center will offer physical fitness activities, Charles County Public Library will have reading activities, and the Center for Children will offer developmental screenings. Face painting, balloons, music, games, rock climbing, backpacks, door prizes, storytellers, and storybook characters are just a few of the kid-friendly options available.
Early childhood matters in Charles County. The Early Childhood Advisory Council's mission is that all Charles County children, age newborn through five, enter school ready to learn.
Exhibitor and sponsor registration information is available online at http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
For more information, contact Ms. D. Mia Gray, chair of the Charles County Early Childhood Advisory Council, at 240-299-9978 or earlychildhoodday@gmail.com. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Department of Health Investigating Possible Rabid Raccoon
On July 2, a Charles County sheriff killed a raccoon in the vicinity of 1014 St Paul’s Drive, Waldorf. This animal had been trapped under a box for an extended period of time. Neighbors in the area reported that the animal approached domestic pets and behaved in an erratic manner. It is presumed that the raccoon was rabid. If you believe you may have had contact with this raccoon please call the Charles County Sheriff’s Office 301-932-2222 or Mark Williams Charles County Department of Health, Environmental Services at 240-299-8597.
Rabies is a disease of animals and people, and the virus is spread through the saliva of a rabid animal. This usually occurs when a rabid animal bites or scratches another person or animal, but secondary exposure can occur from saliva off of the coat or fur of an animal that was exposed to a rabid animal. The virus may get into the body through open cuts or wounds, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Domesticated animals like dogs, cats, and ferrets can get rabies from wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, opossums. Getting your pets vaccinated against rabies will prevent this from happening.
A current rabies vaccination for your pet is vital in light of the current evidence of rabies in the area. Your local veterinary clinic or the Humane Society of Charles County can help assess your pet(s). For further information regarding rabies visit the Department of Health website at http://www.charlescountyhealth.org.