(November 14, 2011) – Beginning tonight, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will temporarily close the westbound I-695 (Baltimore Beltway, inner loop) ramp to southbound I-97 for overnight concrete patching.  The ramp closure will go into effect each night this week at 10 p.m.; the ramp will be reopened to traffic each morning by 5 a.m.  The nightly closures are needed for saw cutting operations in advance of concrete work scheduled for this weekend.  Beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, November 18, the ramp will be closed continuously through the weekend so SHA can place new concrete in the patched areas.  The ramp will reopen to traffic no later than 5 a.m. Monday, November 21.

SHA will use detour signs to guide motorists along the detour route.  Motorists will be directed to the I-695/I-295 interchange where they can use the interchange ramps to change direction and proceed east on I-695 back to I-97 south.  Through traffic on I-695 will be unaffected by the ramp closure.

This work is part of a concrete patching contract focused mainly on I-97.  The contract includes 13 patches on I-97 and one patch at the I-695/I-295 interchange.  Some of the areas targeted for patching are very large, up to several hundred square feet.  These areas can require complete closure of a ramp or multiple travel lanes for preparation work and placement and curing of concrete. 

SHA will perform these repairs during off-peak travel hours and will provide advance notice to motorists via roadside dynamic message signs, overhead message signs, 511 and local media.  All work is weather dependent and subject to change.  SHA awarded the $633,000 areawide patching contract to Concrete General of Gaithersburg.

Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 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.

While SHA and its transportation and utility partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, 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.

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