(June 28, 2011) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a major project to replace the MD 144 (Frederick Road) Bridge over I-695 (Baltimore Beltway - Exit 13) and reconstruct the interchange area to improve safety and traffic operations. Site work is underway with bridge construction work to begin after the July 4th holiday. The three-year $13.7 million project is expected to be complete fall 2013, weather permitting.
The Frederick Road Bridge over I-695, completed in 1957 as part of the original construction of I-695, is structurally deficient and must be replaced. The new bridge will be wider and higher to accommodate future vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic needs at the interchange as well as the future widening of I-695 under the bridge. In the interchange area, I-695 carries approximately 191,900 vehicles per day, with a projected volume of 251,600 vehicles per day by 2030. Frederick Road carries up to 22,530 vehicles a day with a projected volume of 31,500 vehicles per day by 2030.
The project includes bridge removal and replacement; relocating the ramp from northbound I-695 (inner loop) to Frederick Road; adding new left-turn lanes in both directions on Frederick Road; installing a new traffic signal system; installing new traffic signs and overhead lighting; landscaping and constructing a stormwater management facility and bioretention facility; utility relocations; and resurfacing pavement on Frederick Road and I-695 within the interchange area. As this portion of Frederick Road is part of the Historic National Road Scenic Byway and All-American Road, the new bridge will have a simulated brick finish echoing local architecture and medallions on each end to commemorate the scenic byway.
The Frederick Road Bridge will remain open to traffic during construction; however, there will be traffic pattern changes during the project, including temporary lane closures, traffic shifts and ramp closures.
Temporary Lane Closure Schedule:
I-695 Northbound/Inner Loop & Southbound/Outer Loop
• Daytime single travel lane closures may take place along northbound I-695 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday - Friday.
• Daytime shoulder closures may take place along southbound I-695 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday - Friday.
• Nighttime single travel lane closures may take place 8 p.m. - 5 a.m. the next day Sunday - Thursday, with double lane closures 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. the next day Sunday - Thursday.
MD 144 (Frederick Road):
• Daytime shoulder closures may take place along Frederick Road in the vicinity of the bridge between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday - Friday.
• Nighttime single travel lane closures may take place 8 p.m. - 5 a.m. the next day Sunday - Thursday, with flagpersons or temporary traffic devices guiding travelers through the work zone.
SHA will issue traffic alerts concerning major traffic pattern changes, ramp closures and detours throughout the life of the project. The work zone speed limit on I-695 will be 55 mph, with Automated Speed Enforcement cameras deployed within the work zone. Follow SHA on twitter @MDSHA for news releases and traffic alerts.
SHA awarded the contract to American Infrastructure of Fallston, MD. Citizens may view the I-695/Frederick Road project web page on SHA’s website, www.roads.maryland.gov, or call the project field office in Catonsville at 410-455-0657 for project information. Citizens who have questions about I-695, Frederick Road, or other State numbered routes within Baltimore County may call SHA’s District 4 Office at 410-229-2300 or toll free at 1-866-998-0367.
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