Reconfigured Ramp Will Handle All Traffic Traveling from Northbound I-95/I-495 To Eastbound and Westbound MD 214; Ramp Scheduled to Open January 15th           
          
(January 14, 2009) – Tomorrow night, following the evening rush hour, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will open a newly reconfigured ramp along northbound I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) at MD 214 (Central Avenue). The new configuration will replace the existing ramp at the interchange and is part of the $30 million I-95/Arena Drive project in Landover.          
          
Crews are scheduled to work between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., beginning Thursday night January 15. This project will remove the existing “cloverleaf-style” design of the interchange to prevent weaving in and out of the interchange ramps. SHA will convert the existing northbound ramp to eastbound MD 214 (exit 15A) with a “T” intersection at the top of the ramp, which will be controlled by a new traffic signal. The new traffic pattern will enable northbound I-95 traffic to access either direction along MD 214 with one ramp.           
          
Motorists wishing to travel along northbound I-95 will now use a continuous right through lane onto eastbound MD 214 toward Bowie. Drivers traveling along westbound MD 214 toward Seat Pleasant will use a new double left turn lane at the signalized intersection. SHA expects the newly configured interchange to be operational by late evening, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, the ramp closure will be rescheduled at a later date.          
          
Motorists should be prepared for new traffic patterns and drive carefully in the work zone. Electronic message signs, drums, and arrow boards will guide motorists through the work zone. The I-95/Arena Drive project began summer 2007 and is expected to be complete this fall, weather permitting.           
          
SHA reminds all drivers to buckle up, obey posted speed limits, think orange, and stay alert. Customers who have questions about traffic operations on I-95/I-495, MD 214 or other State numbered routes in Prince George’s County may call SHA’s District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll free at 1-800-749-0737.          
###