(June 1, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is reconstructing the southbound MD 170 (Camp Meade Road) ramp to Inner Loop of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway). The project, which should be completed by mid-June weather permitting, will replace the existing asphalt pavement with polyester-epoxy modified concrete.  The operation will require milling the old asphalt, minor blasting/cleaning, and applying the modified concrete overlay.

Work will be performed over two weekends, June 1-3 and June 15-17.  Work will begin at 9 p.m. on Friday and extend through the weekend, day and night until 5 a.m. Monday.  All work and dates are weather permitting.  Detour signs will be posted during these weekends.  Motorists wishing to access I-695 west from MD 170 south will take MD 170 south past the Beltway to MD 169 (West Maple Avenue) east to MD 648 north and back to I-695.

The MD 170 ramp marks the first use of the polyester-epoxy product by SHA.  Historically, SHA has used a thinner polycarbonate material for concrete bridge deck and ramp overlays.  While the application costs are higher for the polyester-epoxy when compared to asphalt, SHA is looking down the road at the long-term savings and overall benefit to the traveling public.

The MD 170 ramp will use two to two-and-a-half inches of the epoxy material, offering substantially better waterproofing and crack sealing capabilities than asphalt and a thicker profile than polycarbonate.  This approach helps protect the bridge’s substructure from moisture and salt damage, extending the life of the structure another 30 years or more.

The MD 170 south ramp to I-695 west carries an average of 1,600 vehicles per day.  SHA awarded the $1 million project to PDI Sheetz of Linthicum.

As crews strive to keep work zones safe, 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.

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.

# # #
​