​(April 17, 2019) – On Monday night, April 22, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will close the southbound I-270 ramp to northbound MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike) in Frederick County. The ramp will remain closed and be detoured for one month, opening before Memorial Day.

Motorists on I-70 and US 15 (Catoctin Mountain Highway) will be directed to use eastbound I-70 and exit at MD 85.

The closure is necessary for crews to match ramp pavement elevations within the interchange.  Once these ramp improvements are complete, MDOT SHA crews will move to the next phase of the I-270/MD 85 interchange reconstruction project, which will involve shifting traffic to the new I-270 Bridge over MD 85. 

This $58-million project will reduce congestion improve safety and eliminate two structurally deficient bridges. MDOT SHA will use variable messages signs, barrels and temporary signs to alert motorists of the ramp closure and guide them to the detour route.

More than 115,000 motorists travel through this area each day, so motorists should plan extra travel time. 

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our contractor. Drivers needs to stay alert, focus on the road and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.

For a look at real-time commute conditions, log onto https://chart.maryland.gov/​​.

 

###