(January 2, 2013) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) advises motorists to prepare for a new traffic pattern and expect delays on westbound US 40 (Baltimore National Pike) at the Patapsco River Bridge beginning on January 3 as crews temporarily reduce westbound traffic to a single lane as part of a bridge reconstruction project. The lane reduction applies to westbound US 40 traffic only and will continue through late spring to allow crews to dismantle the temporary bridge that was used to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction during reconstruction of the old bridge.
Eastbound US 40 traffic was shifted onto the rehabilitated bridge on December 20. Weather permitting, crews will shift westbound US 40 traffic onto the rehabilitated bridge January 3. Preparations for the shift will begin at 9 a.m. and the shift and lane reduction should be complete by 3 p.m.
The new traffic pattern marks a major milestone in SHA’s $18 million project to rehabilitate and partially reconstruct the 76-year old historic bridge over the Patapsco River. Crews have reconstructed the 335-foot-long bridge from the arches upward, including replacing and slightly widening the deck (driving surface), replacing the parapet walls (barriers on the sides of the deck), and replacing the deteriorated bridge deck supports.
The overall project began in early 2011, and traffic was shifted onto the temporary bridges in December 2011. Weather permitting, the entire project will be complete summer 2013. Drivers should stay alert for construction equipment, temporary lane closures and lane shifts.
Due to the westbound lane reduction and continued construction activity, motorists should plan for extra travel time along westbound US 40 over the next four to six months. Commuters traveling from I-695 to Ellicott City and points west may wish to use I-70 to reach US 29 and US 40 west of Ellicott City.
The US 40 corridor carries more than 37,000 vehicles each day and this number is even greater during the morning and evening rush hours. For the safety of motorists as well as construction workers, a reduced speed limit of 40 mph is in place through the work zone and will remain in effect through the end of the project.
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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