Drivers Urged to Slow Down and Pay Close Attention to the Road

(June 13, 2017) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin a project to widen the ramp from the inner loop of I-495 (Capital Beltway) to southbound MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue). In addition to the ramp widening, which will improve capacity at the interchange, MDOT SHA is installing a new traffic signal to help reduce congestion at the bottom I-495/MD 650 transition.  Weather and progress permitting, the $600,000 project should be complete by late fall.

In addition to the new traffic signal and widening of the ramp, crews will:

 

• Reconstruct sidewalks and sidewalk ramps near the exit ramp for Americans With Disability Act (ADA) compliance;

 

• Install new concrete curb and gutter;

 

• Replace existing guardrail to comply with upgraded traffic barrier standards;

 

• Mill (remove the top layer of asphalt, pave and restripe the ramp;

 

• Install and construct new pipes and inlets for better roadway drainage; and

 

• Clean existing pipes and inlets for better roadway drainage.

MDOT SHA’s contractor for the work, Congressional Contracting, Inc. of Potomac, is permitted to close one lane in both directions of MD 650 in the vicinity of the ramp Sundays through Thursdays between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.  Additionally, motorists can expect temporary ramp closures and detours for up to a full day on weekends to expedite the project.  

With approximately 78,000 average vehicles per day that travel on MD 650 at I-495, Drivers are encouraged to use MD 193 (University Boulevard) as an alternate during work hours. 

Additional work hours and lane closures may be necessary to complete all phases of work and keep the project on schedule.  For real-time traffic information, please log on to www.md511.org or call 1-855-466-3511 using a hands-free device.  For an interactive list of MDOT SHA projects, click here for e-Road Ready 2017.

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.

For more information about this MD 650 project. Please contact Mr. Chief Buamah, MDOT SHA Project Engineer, at 571-337-5593, or Mr. Bill Kucharek, MDOT SHA District 3 Area Engineer, at 301-513-7329.