MOTORISTS ON I-68 SHOULD EXPECT EXTENDED SINGLE-LANE CLOSURES FOR POTHOLE PATCHING BEGINNING THIS SPRING

MDOT SHA Logo

MDOT SHA Logo

(March 29, 2013) – Motorists on I-68 should prepare for extended single-lane closures this spring as the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) patches the concrete driving surface of the I-68 “Crosstown Bridge” near downtown Cumberland. Motorists should slow down and drive with caution through the work area and prepare for possible delays during peak travel times.

The lane closures, which affect one lane at a time, will begin each Sunday night at 8 p.m. and continue around the clock through Friday at noon to allow time for concrete to cure. (Next week, the closure will begin Monday night due to the Easter holiday.) The single-lane closures will continue each week for at least the next month, until patching is complete.  Crews will begin on eastbound I-68, working from right to left, before moving to westbound I-68.

In addition, SHA advises motorists that the eastbound I-68 exit to MD 51 (Industrial Boulevard), exit 43B, will be closed for patching next weekend, beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, April 5, and reopening at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 7. Detour signs will direct motorists to continue east to the Willowbrook Road exit, exit 44, where they will return to westbound I-68 and use the westbound exit 43B to MD 51.

Patching the driving surface of the bridge and ramps is part of a $14 million bridge rehabilitation project that also includes repairs, cleaning and painting below the bridge. The extended lane closures are necessary because many of the areas to be patched on I-68 are too large to cover with steel plates while the concrete cures. The extended closures will also allow crews to complete the patching on I-68 more quickly.

SHA’s contractor for the project is Titan Industrial Services Inc. of Baltimore. More information about the project is available at www.bitly.com/crosstownbridge.

While SHA and its partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert – look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don't follow too closely. Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For everyone!

Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org  for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

SHA is making it easy to get safety tips and information on the go through Twitter @MDSHA and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandStateHighwayAdministration.

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