(June 27, 2012) – Today, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) reopened the ramp connecting northbound MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) to westbound I-495 (Capital Beltway) in Montgomery County. The ramp had been closed to replace the bridge deck (driving surface) since late April. Weather permitting, the remaining work on the project, which requires no detours, will be complete late fall.

Built in 1964, the bridge deck is safe, but in need of repairs. As part of the $1.2 million project, crews replaced the existing driving surface, paved and resurfaced both connections to the bridge and applied new pavement markings. The work was completed about a week ahead of schedule.

Additional work on the project includes the removal of a demolition shield on the bridge, installing scaffolding on the bridge over the Capital Beltway, cleaning and painting of existing steel beams underneath the bridge and exterior restoration of bridge supports.  The additional work requires temporary lane closures and lane shifts on I-495 during off-peak hours as follows:

• Westbound I-495: Overnight single, double and triple lane closures Sunday through Thursday between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. 

• Eastbound I-495: Overnight single and double lane closures Sunday through Thursday between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

SHA’s contractor for the work is Anchor Construction of Washington, D.C.  As crews work 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.

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