(May 3, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is opening a new acceleration/deceleration lane along the outer loop of I-695 West (Baltimore Beltway) between MD 45 (York Road) and MD 139 (Charles Street) Friday morning, May 4.  The new lane will improve safety for drivers entering and exiting I-695 between the York Road and Charles Street interchanges.

Weather permitting, crews will  change the traffic pattern Thursday evening, May 3 and the new lane will be open to traffic by 5 a.m. Friday, May 4.  Crews will close one lane along the outer loop of the Beltway beginning at  8 p.m. and two lanes beginning at 10 p.m.  In case of inclement weather, crews will open the new lane during daytime hours Monday, May 7. 

The new lane is part of the State’s $38 million project to replace the Charles Street Bridge over I-695 and make safety and operational improvements throughout the interchange area.  The project began in winter 2009 and will be complete late summer, weather permitting. 

The State’s contractor for the interchange project is the Six-M Company of Delta, Pennsylvania.  Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along I-695 and Charles Street may call the SHA project field office at 410-296-9041 or SHA’s District 4 Office Construction Division at 410-229-2420 or toll free at 1-866-998-0367.  Citizens may view the I-695/Charles Street project web page on SHA’s website, www.roads.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.

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 and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don’t follow too closely.   Safer driving and safer work zones benefit everyone.

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