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(June 21, 2013) – Urgent notice for southbound US 301 drivers -- Beginning tonight at 9 p.m., the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $1.8 million safety and ramp resurfacing project at the
US 50 (John Hanson Highway)/US 301 (Robert Crain Highway) interchange in Prince George’s County. Weather permitting, the work should be complete this fall.
At 9 p.m., SHA will close the ramp from southbound MD 3/US 301 to eastbound US 50. The ramp will reopen no later than 5 a.m. on Monday, June 24 to assure that all travel lanes on the ramp are safe for travel and that the concrete overlay has enough time to dry or "cure." The weekend is the only option to perform the work since the concrete requires multiple days to dry.
Drivers traveling southbound on MD 3/US 301 should follow the signed detour route by traveling past the US 301/US 50 interchange and making a right on MD 197 (Collington Road) to access eastbound US 50. Drivers should add additional time to their commute for the next two weekends.
As part of the project, SHA will apply a bonded concrete overlay called “whitetopping” to the ramp. SHA crews will fully close the ramp for two consecutive weekends (weather permitting) to perform the work.
“Whitetopping is a sustainable resurfacing solution that improves skid resistance and creates a smoother ride for drivers,” said District Engineer Brian Young. “Whitetopping typically lasts longer than traditional resurfacing methods, reduces rutting caused by larger vehicles that travel on the road surface and produces savings through less frequent road repairs, fewer lane closures and fewer construction zones because of its durability.”
More than 100,000 vehicles use the US 50/US 301 interchange daily. SHA’s contractor for the project is Concrete General, Inc. of Gaithersburg. As crews strive to keep work zones safe, 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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