(June 13, 2013) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) advises motorists in Washington County to expect single-lane closures on I-70 over the next few weeks as crews overlay the surfaces of the I-70 bridges over Ashton and St. Paul Roads, west of Hagerstown. Weather permitting, the work will be complete by June 30.

 

Working on one lane at a time, crews will remove the existing blacktop surface, clean and patch the concrete, then place a polyester overlay material and allow it to cure. Because of the time required for the material to cure, each lane must be closed for 20 hours.

 

These extended closures will occur over the next three weekends. Motorists may expect closures on eastbound I-70 beginning at 9 p.m. on Fridays and on westbound I-70 beginning at 11 p.m. on Fridays. All lanes will reopen by 7 a.m. on Sundays. In addition, motorists should anticiapte possible overnight lane closures on Monday through Thursday nights between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

 

When complete, the overlay will result in a smoother, safer driving surface and will extend the life of the bridges, saving money on future maintenance. Customers with questions about operations on I-70 or other State (numbered) roads in Washington County may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll-free at 800-760-7138.

 

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!

 

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