(August 9, 2013) – Due to paving on I-70, detours will be in place Monday night, August 12, for traffic wishing to access southbound I-270 from eastbound I-70, and for traffic wishing to access eastbound I-70 from northbound US 15/US 340 or northbound MD 351. The detours will be in effect from 9 p.m. Monday, August 12, to 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 13. In the event of inclement weather, the work and detours will be rescheduled.
Detours will direct traffic as follows:
To access southbound I-270 from eastbound I-70:
• Continue past I-270 and take exit 54 to MD 85
• Keep left on the ramp (towards East Street/Downtown) to cross the bridge over I-70
• Get on westbound I-70
• Take the exit for southbound I-270
To access eastbound I-70 from northbound US 15/US 340 or northbound MD 351:
• Take the exit 10 ramp for eastbound I-70/southbound I-270 (note that while this ramp will remain open, paving will prevent traffic from merging onto I-70 eastbound)
• Continue onto I-270 southbound
• Take exit 31A to MD 85 north (toward Frederick)
• Follow signs to I-70 eastbound
The detours are necessary due to paving on the slow lane of I-70 underway as part of a $1.9 million Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) resurfacing project for I-70 between US 15 and New Design Road.
Additional overnight ramp closures will be necessary later this month. Crews anticipate temporary overnight closures on the ramp from southbound US 15 to eastbound I-70 and, later, the ramp from westbound I-70 to northbound US 15. Variable message signs will alert drivers at least three days in advance of the closures and detour signs, cones and barrels will be used to direct traffic during the closures.
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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