Night Work Slated for Two Miles of Inner and Outer Loops of Baltimore Beltway           
          
(March 26, 2009) – On Sunday night, March 29, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $4 million resurfacing project of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between MD 648 (Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard) and the Patapsco River Bridge at the Baltimore/Anne Arundel County line. Roadwork on the two mile section will include patching, grinding and resurfacing of all lanes of the inner and outer loops of the Beltway, as well as all of the ramps at the I-695/MD 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway) interchange. The project is expected to take approximately four months, weather permitting.          
          
Weather permitting, this Sunday SHA’s contractor, Reliable Contracting, Inc. of Millersville, will start patching along the inner loop (I-695 Westbound). Crews will then switch to the outer loop, and conclude patching operations on the MD 295 ramps at I-695. Work will take place overnight, Sunday through Thursday, and will require two lanes to be closed. SHA will close one lane at 10 p.m., followed by a second lane at 12 a.m. All lanes are scheduled to open by 5 a.m.          
          
All patching work is expected to take about one month, and will be followed by grinding and resurfacing. Work along the MD 295 ramps may require temporary ramp closures and detours. Approximately 130,000 vehicles drive through this section of I-695 each day. SHA will use temporary traffic signs, cones and barrels to guide motorists through the work zone.           
          
SHA thanks motorists for their patience and cooperation and encourages drivers to “think orange” when in a construction zone. On any day, there could be more than 350 work zones in Maryland. Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. When workers are on the road, THINK ORANGE: slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
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