(April 25, 2012) – Drivers along US 220 (McMullen Highway) and Greene Street in Cumberland are seeing the start of major construction activity below the I-68 (National Freeway) overpass.  Work is now underway by the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) at the I-68/US 220 interchange to enhance safety and improve traffic operations. Weather permitting work will be complete this fall. 

SHA is constructing these improvements to provide a safer merge area for drivers along eastbound I-68 and provide direct access from Greene Street to eastbound I-68, which will improve traffic operations.  Crews have started drainage improvements and installed new guardrail along US 220.

“SHA appreciates the support and involvement of the local community,” said SHA District 6 Engineer Anthony Crawford.  “We ask motorists to use extreme caution and remain alert when driving along I-68, US 220 and other area routes during construction.”

Work requires temporary traffic detours that will allow crews to construct a partial roundabout on US 220. On Tuesday May 1, construction crews will temporarily close the ramp from US 220 and Greene Street to westbound I-68.  Motorists will be directed to use the following detour routes through June, weather permitting:

• Motorists driving from Cumberland and Greene Street will be directed to use Braddock Road to reach westbound I-68. 

• Motorists driving from Cresaptown and other points south could use MD 53     (Winchester Road) to go towards LaVale.  If they continue north on US 220 into the construction area, detour signage will direct them to travel on eastbound I-68 and use Exit 44 (Willowbrook Road), drive through the interchange to reach westbound I-68. 

SHA will also shift the US 220 travel lanes under the I-68 overpass.  Crews will close the southbound US 220 lanes, temporarily converting northbound US 220 travel lanes to a two-way traffic pattern for both northbound and southbound traffic.  SHA will reduce the road width at the bottom of the ramp from I-68 East to US 220.

The overall I-68/US 220 enhancements include:

• Extending the merge area along eastbound I-68 more than 400 feet, providing a safer merge from US 220 onto eastbound I-68.  Portions of the existing grass median between the ramp and I-68 eastbound lanes will be removed.

• Constructing a partial roundabout on US 220 south of the I-68 Bridge.  The new traffic pattern will provide Greene Street motorists with direct access to the eastbound I-68 ramp. Drivers will travel under I-68, make a U-turn in the partial roundabout and then merge onto the I-68 eastbound ramp; 

• Grinding (removing the top layer of asphalt), patching and resurfacing US 220 from Greene Street to the Industrial Park entrance;

• Installing new pavement markings and centerline rumble strips on US 220; 

• Replacing road signs on US 220 and the I-68 ramps as well as installing new signs to assist drivers navigating the partial roundabout;

• Installing more 4,000 feet of guardrail (some new/some replacement) along US 220 and along ramp areas; and

• Providing lighting upgrades throughout the entire interchange including the ridesharing lot.  

SHA awarded the $3.3 million contract to IA Construction Corporation of Cumberland.   Nearly 47,000 drivers use this section of I-68 each day.  As crews strive to keep work zones safe, 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.

Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or toll-free 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

      ###​