(August 22, 2013) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is wrapping up the first phase of its project to reconstruct the I-70 bridges over Conococheague Creek, west of Hagerstown.

Crews have widened the bridges to the inside and are preparing to shift traffic onto the new bridge sections in order to begin reconstruction of the old portions of the structures. The westbound traffic shift will take effect August 28, weather permitting, with the eastbound shift to follow in mid-September.

“This is an important milestone in this two-year-long project, which is on track for completion by fall 2014,” SHA District Engineer Tony Crawford said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and remind drivers to to use caution in the work zone as they will continue to encounter narrowed and shifted lanes, shoulder closures and temporary lane closures as the project progresses.”

The approximately $16.5 million project is part of SHA’s bridge preservation and replacement program. The dual bridges, constructed in 1965, are safe for the traveling public, but showing signs of deterioration.  The rehabilitation will extend the “life” of each structure by an additional 30 to 50 years. When complete, the bridges will have wider shoulders to provide adequate space for disabled vehicles.

SHA’s contractor for the project is Concrete General of Gaithersburg. For more information and updates throughout the project, visit http://tinyurl.com/conococheaguebridge, or call SHA’s District 6 office at 301-729-8400.

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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