SHA is asking motorists to consider alternate north-south routes such as I-95, MD 295 and MD 10 for their weekend travel through mid-November as major delays and traffic congestion are expected. For the next two weekends, weather permitting:
• September 28-30 – two left southbound lanes and left shoulder closed. Patching will occur in the southbound left and center lanes and left shoulder along southbound I-97 from MD 174 (Quarterfield Road) to just south of Benfield Blvd
• October 5-7 – two right southbound lanes closed
Patching will occur in the southbound right lanes, including entrance/exit ramps on southbound I-97 from MD 176 (Dorsey Road) to just south of Benfield Blvd
SHA will begin lane closures at 10 p.m. on Friday to remove damaged concrete from the patch areas. New concrete will be placed and the lanes must remain closed until the concrete cures, generally up to 24 hours. SHA will monitor the curing process and open lanes to traffic as soon as it is safe. Because concrete patching is weather and time dependent, dates, times and locations are subject to change.
To facilitate the weekend operations, SHA continues to saw cut the patch areas weekdays from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. when traffic volumes are lower. This work will continue as needed in conjunction with the weekend patching.
“While roadway patching is a fairly routine operation, concrete patching on a heavily traveled road such as I-97 is a challenge to both workers and motorists,” said SHA District Engineer Lee Starkloff. “Concrete patches require up to 24 hours to cure, which is why the work must be done on weekends. There are numerous events from football to boat shows and festivals every weekend during the late summer and fall. While we do everything possible to work around the major events, there will be delays. We appreciate motorists’ patience as we complete the work to provide a smoother ride.”
SHA is using portable and overhead message signs to alert motorists to lane closures and traffic conditions and advise alternate routes. Because local events can increase weekend traffic congestion, motorists are urged to call 511 for the latest traffic information or visit
www.md511.org prior to traveling.
SHA will issue updated I-97 work schedules each week until this work is completed.
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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