(October 25, 2013) – Motorists should be prepared for a right-lane closure and exit ramp closure on westbound I-70 at the MD 85/East Street exit in Frederick on Monday, October 28, as the State Highway Administration (SHA) completes paving as part of its highway widening project near South Street.

 

Weather permitting, SHA will close the right lane of westbound I-70 in the project area beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, and will close the exit 54 ramp from westbound I-70 to MD 85/East Street beginning at 9 a.m. The exit and lane will reopen by 3 p.m.

 

During the exit closure, detour signswill direct traffic to use the MD 144 (East Patrick Street) exit (exit 56) and follow Monocacy Boulevard to MD 85/East Street.

 

The daytime closure 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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