(December 29, 2011) – On Wednesday night, January 4, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will close and detour the inner loop of I-695 (Baltimore) ramp at Exit 12B to eastbound MD 372 (Wilkens Avenue).  The traffic change is scheduled to take place as part of Phase One of SHA’s $13 million project to replace the I-695 inner loop bridge over Wilkens Avenue Baltimore County. 
  

Crews will close one lane of the inner loop at eastbound Wilkens Avenue beginning at 7 p.m., followed by the ramp closure at 10 p.m.  SHA crews will set concrete barriers in place to close and detour the ramp from northbound I-695 to eastbound Wilkens Avenue, and the new traffic pattern will be in effect by 5 a.m. Wednesday, January 4.

Once the ramp is closed, all motorists traveling from northbound I-695 to eastbound or westbound Wilkens Avenue will be directed to use the next interchange ramp at Exit 12C, Wilkens Avenue - West.  After exiting I-695, motorists will turn right at the end of the ramp to proceed to Wilkens Avenue.  SHA and the contractor will provide a temporary traffic signal at Wilkens Avenue so motorists may turn left onto Wilkens Avenue East (toward Baltimore City/County line and St. Agnes Hospital).  Motorists will still be able to turn right onto Wilkens Avenue West (toward UMBC and CCBC – Catonsville).

In case of inclement weather, crews will close the ramp on the next possible weeknight.  The temporary ramp closure will remain in effect through early spring 2012, weather permitting.  Bridge construction work at the interchange will continue through summer 2013.   The state’s contractor is The Six-M Company, Inc. of Delta, Pa.
 

Citizens with questions or concerns about the I-695/Wilkens Avenue project may contact SHA's field office in Catonsville at 410-737-8401, toll-free at 1-866-998-0367 or by email at shadistrict4@sha.state.md.us.
  

While SHA and its transportation 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 work zone speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don't follow too closely.  Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones.  For everyone.       
 

Maryland SafeZones Automated Speed Enforcement is in effect along northbound I-695 within the I-695/Wilkens Avenue interchange work zone, with a $40 fine for work zone speed violations.  For more information on the Maryland SafeZones program, please visit www.safeszones.maryland.gov.
 

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.

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