(June 6, 2012) – At 10 a.m. today, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) closed the ramp from South Street to eastbound I-70 as well as the left lane along eastbound I-70 near South Street in Frederick County to repair a sinkhole which developed in the median about 1,000 feet east of the bridge over South Street.

Motorists wishing to enter eastbound I-70 from South Street will be detoured to make a right onto Monocacy Boulevard, then right onto East Patrick Street to the light at the ramp for eastbound I-70.

Crews are excavating around the sinkhole and filling the void with stones and concrete. The ramp and left lane are expected to reopen by Thursday’s morning rush hour, weather permitting.

The hole, about 20 feet deep, was discovered Tuesday. SHA engineers monitored the sinkhole overnight. The hollow underground area appears to be about 10 feet wide by 10 feet long.

Motorists traveling along eastbound I-70 should anticipate delays and consider alternate routes, especially during this afternoon’s rush hours.

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 restricts 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. Safer work zones. For everyone.

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