(November 19, 2013) – Motorists should be prepared for lane closures and changing traffic patterns this week on westbound I-70 over the MD 63 Bridge, west of Hagerstown.

As part of an ongoing Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) bridge replacement project, crews are preparing to shift westbound traffic onto the newly constructed portion of the bridge. Motorists should anticipate temporary single-lane closures on westbound I-70 today, November 19, and Wednesday, November 20, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. both days as crews prepare for and complete the shift.

A similar traffic shift on the eastbound bridge will follow in mid-December. Crews will then move into the project’s second phase, which includes demolishing and reconstructing the remaining portion of the bridges.

The $14 million project is part of SHA’s bridge preservation and replacement program.Weather permitting, the project will be complete in fall 2014. SHA’s contractor for the project is C. William Hetzer, Inc. of Hagerstown. For more information about the project, visit http://bit.ly/md63bridge.

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!