Motorists traveling Vale Road between Fallston and Bel Air during the winter months have probably experienced persistent roadway icing early in the morning on the steep hill east of Grafton Shop Road.
Harford County highways staff said last winter the problem was being caused by a poorly draining spring midway up the hill on the right side going toward Bel Air.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 17, work is scheduled to start on fixing the drainage issue before freezing temperatures set in, but that's also going to mean daily road closures for about two weeks.
The Harford County Department of Public Works' Bureau of Highways said it expects to close Vale Road, between Grafton Shop Road and Macroom Court, the latter near Red Pump Elementary School, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, for the maintenance work, which will involve installing a roadside swale to redirect the flow of water and, thus, prevent icing on the road.
According to DPW, access will be maintained for area residents, emergency vehicles and school buses during the partial closure.
Motorists are asked to consider using alternative routes if they travel this roadway.