(June 3, 2014) – Over the next few months, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will resurface more than six miles of northbound I-270 in Frederick County. The $3.5 million project will provide fresh pavement and guardrail upgrades from north of MD 80 in Urbana to north of I-70 in Frederick, including ramps. Weather permitting, the project will be complete late summer.

Crews recently began guardrail replacement, which will be followed by milling (removing the top layer of asphalt), patching, paving, and application of new rumble strips, striping and pavement markings.  The project also includes cleaning storm drain inlets and replacing inlet grates.

Due to guardrail replacement work, the exit 31A ramp from northbound I-270 to northbound MD 85 to Market Street will be closed Wednesday night, June 4, starting at 10 p.m. The ramp will reopen by 6 a.m. Thursday, June 5. During the closure, a detour will direct motorists to use eastbound I-70 to I-70 exit 54 for MD 85. Variable message signs were placed earlier this week to advise motorists of the upcoming ramp closure.

Beginning the week of June 9, motorists should be prepared for overnight lane closures on I-270 between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday nights, for milling, patching and paving work.

The project will enhance safety and provide a smoother riding surface for the 58,000 vehicles that travel on northbound I-270 in this area, on average, every day. SHA’s contractor for the project is Francis O. Day Co., Inc. of Rockville.

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!