(June 13, 2013) – Beginning June 16 at noon, the State Highway Administration (SHA) will start repairs on the roadside slope adjacent to the outer loop of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) approaching exit 36 (MD 702) in Essex.  Crews will close the left lane on the outer loop of I-695 at the MD 702 split through August, weather permitting. 

 

Through traffic along northbound I-695 approaching MD 702 will be shifted to the right, with two lanes still available prior to the I-695/MD 702 split. When approaching the split, motorists in the left lane can continue on I-695 toward Towson as one of the two lanes will be open; motorists in the right lane must exit onto MD 702. Motorists who wanted to stay on the Beltway but are traveling in the right lane should NOT attempt to abruptly veer left to continue on I-695. Drivers will be able to return to I-695 by continuing on MD 702, traveling to the MD 702/MD 150 interchange and heading back north on MD 702 toward I-695. Although this may take extra time, it is the safest way to return to the Beltway and will reduce delays on I-695. 

 

“We thank motorists in advance for their patience during this roadwork,” stated SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “The slope repair along the Beltway is necessary to keep the area from further eroding and undermining the road and to assure the safety of the 67,000 motorists who travel in this area each day.”

 

To avoid delays during peak travel times, drivers should consider alternate routes, including I-695 to exit 38 (MD 150). The two-month left lane closure will allow SHA to safely re-establish and repair the damaged slope adjacent to the left lane of the outer loop. The left shoulder, which is approximately four feet in length, is beginning to erode. If left unrepaired it could also affect the travel lanes. 

 

Once the slope repair work is complete, crews will patch, mill and resurface the outer loop of I-695 between MD 150 (exit 38) and MD 7 (exit 34). SHA’s contractor for the $6 million project is Gray and Son, Inc. of Timonium. While SHA and its transportation 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 and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Safer driving. Safer work zones. Benefit everyone!

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