(October 23, 2013) – Motorists should be prepared for ramp closures and possible delays on eastbound I-70 in Frederick this Thursday into early Friday as the State Highway Administration (SHA) completes paving as part of its highway widening project near South Street.

Weather permitting, beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, October 24, crews will close the right lane of eastbound I-70 as well as the ramps from eastbound I-70 to South Street (exit 55) and from South Street to eastbound I-70. Detour signswill direct traffic to the MD 144 (East Patrick Street) interchange (exit 56) via Monocacy Boulevard and East Patrick Street for access to and from eastbound I-70.

When paving is complete on the South Street ramps Thursday afternoon or evening, crews will reopen the South Street (exit 55) ramps and close the eastbound I-70/MD 144 (exit 56) ramp for paving. All lanes and ramps will reopen by 5 a.m. Friday, October 25.

The daytime closures will allow crews to complete paving during the day, when temperatures are more advantageous. In the event of inclement weather, the work may be postponed.

The paving is one of the final steps in a $45 million project that widened I-70 with a third through-lane and auxiliary lane in each direction between the MD 144 and MD 85/East Street interchanges. The new westbound lanes opened October 5 and the new eastbound lanes opened October 19.

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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