UPDATE 10/10/2013: Due to rain, the planned traffic changes that had been scheduled for Friday, October 11, have been postponed. Weather permitting, our project team anticipates making these changes on Tuesday, October 15. This includes the opening of the new bridge over MD 32 and the new on-ramps, the closure of West Linden Church Road, the prohibition of left-turns at East Linden Church Road and the start of the three-week detour for access from MD 32 to Linden Church Road.
(October 3, 2013) – Major changes are coming to the MD 32/ Linden Church Road intersection in Howard County as construction of the new interchange enters its final weeks. On Friday, October 11, weather permitting, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will shift traffic onto a portion of the new interchange, including a new bridge over MD 32 and the ramps from Linden Church Road to MD 32, and close the old alignment of West Linden Church Road.
During this stage of the project, which will last for approximately three weeks, crews will continue construction of the ramps from MD 32 onto the new Linden Church Road and resurface MD 32 in the project area. To facilitate paving, crews will remove the traffic signal and concrete island at MD 32 and East Linden Church Road, and left turns will no longer be allowed at that intersection.
During that three-week period, detour signs will direct traffic on MD 32 to access Linden Church Road and connecting streets as follows:
• Traffic on SOUTHBOUND MD 32 must exit at the Burntwoods Road interchange and follow Ten Oaks Road to Linden Church Road. Drivers may then use the new bridge over MD 32 to reach East Linden Church Road and drive through the new roundabout on the east side of the bridge to access Greenberry and Broadwater lanes.
• Traffic on NORTHBOUND MD 32 must turn right at East Linden Church Road. Drivers may then use the roundabout and bridge to cross over MD 32 to reach West Linden Church Road and Ten Oaks Road.
For access onto southbound or northbound MD 32, motorists should use the new on-ramps to be opened on October 11. Motorists on MD 32 should anticipate single-lane closures for paving during off-peak and overnight hours.
Both MD 32 off-ramps will open by early November. Crews will then move into the final phase, which includes removing a temporary connection from MD 32 to Broadwater Lane used during construction, and should be complete by December. Depending on the weather, some landscaping and final surface paving may need to be completed in spring 2014.
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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