(October 7, 2013) – Traffic changes are coming soon on
US 220 (Greene Street) at I-68 in Cumberland as a Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) construction project enters its final phase.
SHA will shift traffic on Tuesday night, October 8, into Wednesday morning, October 9. To implement the switch, northbound US 220 will be closed prior to I-68 from 8 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Wednesday. Motorists should follow the posted detour, which will use northbound MD 53 (Winchester Road) in Cresaptown to US 40 and I-68 in LaVale.
During the final phase of construction starting Wednesday morning, northbound US 220 traffic will drive on a newly constructed section of road leading to the new partial roundabout. For several weeks, all motorists will cross partially onto the low concrete apron of the roundabout before turning right onto the I-68 eastbound ramp or continuing straight towards Greene Street. (See photo below).
Above: During the final phase of construction starting Wednesday, October 9, traffic on US 220 will drive over the low concrete apron of the new partial roundabout at I-68. Traffic will be shifted into its final configuration by the first week of November, weather permitting.
Remaining work after Wednesday includes elevating the remaining portion of the US 220 roadway, drainage upgrades, concrete curb, guardrail installation, signage, and final surface paving from the roundabout to the Industrial Park entrance. This work should be completed with traffic in the final configuration by the first week in November, weather permitting. Some additional periodic nighttime US 220 closures and/or a weekend closure of the US 220 to I-68 Eastbound on-ramp will be required in the next few weeks to complete work. All closures will be posted on portable message signs in the area.
When complete, the interchange will include a partial roundabout to make it easier for traffic heading south on Greene Street to access eastbound I-68. SHA’s contractor for the project is IA Construction Corporation of Cumberland. Those who have questions about traffic operations along US 220, I-68, or other state numbered routes in Allegany County may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.
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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