(August 28, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will close two ramps and reopen one this Thursday night, August 30, at the I-70 exit 55 (South Street) interchange in Frederick as crews make progress on a highway-widening and bridge replacement project.

On Thursday, SHA will temporarily close the ramps onto and off of eastbound I-70 at South Street. In addition, the ramp onto westbound I-70 from South Street/Monocacy Boulevard will remain closed. Those three ramps will reopen this fall when crews are ready to shift trafffic to the newly constructed bridges and lanes.

The fourth ramp at the interchange, from westbound I-70 to South Street/Monocacy Boulevard, will reopen Thursday night. That ramp has been closed since late June.

Detour signs will direct motorists wishing to get onto eastbound I-70 from South Street or Reichs Ford Road to take Monocacy Boulevard to East Patrick Street (MD 144) and take the ramp on the left to I-70 east.

Those wishing to exit eastbound I-70 onto South Street or Reichs Ford Road will be directed to take the prior exit (exit 54), make a left onto East Street, then take a right onto the newly constructed section of Monocacy Boulevard to reach South Street. The reverse of this route is the detour for motorists on South Street/Monocacy Boulevard to access westbound I-70 at East Street. (Please see detour maps below.)

The ramp closures are part of SHA’s project to widen I-70 from east of MD 144 to west of South Street and replace the I-70 bridges over South Street. SHA’s contractor for the project is Corman Construction of Annapolis Junction. Anyone with questions about the I-70 project may call the project’s 24-hour hotline at 855-213-0070.

While SHA and its 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 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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