(September 13, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) advises motorists in Cumberland that work to improve the I-68 (National Freeway)/US 220 interchange will require intermittant overnight closures next week of the the ramps from US 220 (McMullen Highway) to eastbound I-68 and from Fletcher Drive/Brown Avenue to eastbound I-68.

Motorists should be prepared for these ramps to be closed between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. weeknights next week, beginning Monday night, September 17. Weather permitting, the work will be complete next week and the overnight closures will continue no later than Thursday night, September 20, into Friday morning, September 21. During the closures, detour signs will direct traffic to get onto westbound I-68, then access eastbound I-68 at the LaVale interchange (exit 40).

The closures will allow crews to install new curb as part of a modification to the merge area for traffic entering eastbound I-68 from these ramps. The changes will result in more than 400 additional feet of merge area, providing a safer merge from US 220 onto eastbound I-68. The changes are part of an ongoing interchange improvement project that also includes construction of a partial roundabout on US 220 at I-68.

SHA’s contractor for the project is IA Construction Corporation of Cumberland. Those who have questions about traffic operations along US 220, I-68, or other state numbered routes in Allegany County may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.

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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