Beginning November 11, Drivers Should Use MD 26 or MD 144 as Eastbound Alternates

(November 4, 2016) – On Friday evening, November 11, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will close the two right lanes on eastbound I-70 between MD 27 (Ridge Road) and MD 94 (Woodbine Road) for weekend pavement repairs.

SHA will close the far right lane on eastbound I-70 at 9 a.m., then the two right lanes at 9 p.m. Friday, November 11.  Two lanes will remain closed until 5 a.m. Monday, November 14 or until curing strength has been reached and it is safe to open to traffic.

Crews will remove several large sections of deteriorating pavement, clean the entire area of loose concrete, then pour new concrete and wait for the concrete to cure.

“During the day on Sunday, it may appear no work is underway,” states SHA District 7 Engineer Mark Crampton. “However, the new concrete will be curing so while no workers may be present, the lanes must remain closed until the concrete is acceptable for traffic.”

Crews will use arrow panels, barrels, cones and signs to direct traffic through the four-mile work area. SHA’s contractor, CJ Miller, LLC. of Hampstead, is performing the work. Curing time normally takes 12 to 14 hours to settle and for the pavement to strengthen.

 

Drivers are encouraged to consider taking MD 27 (Ridge Road) to MD 144 (Old National Pike), to the south of I-70 or MD 27, to MD 26 to the north of I-70 as alternate routes.  Major delays are expected, particularly during the daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday.

 

 

While SHA and its transportation 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 and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.

Maryland drivers can also know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including construction delays and lane closures. Those who have questions about SHA projects in Howard County may call the SHA District 7 Office at 301-729-8400, toll-free at 1-800-760-7138 or send email to shadistrict7@sha.state.md.us.