$52 Million Project Completed Ahead of Schedule          
          
(December 1, 2008) –The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is pleased to announce the completion of the $52 million I-95/MD 5 (Branch Avenue) interchange improvement project in Prince George’s County. The project, scheduled for completion in summer 2009, finished eight months ahead of schedule. Prior to construction, inner loop motorists shared an entrance/exit ramp to merge onto northbound and southbound MD 5, creating a dangerous weave condition. Capital Beltway motorists also wishing to access southbound MD 5 would merge and crawl along the outside shoulder.           
          
To reduce congestion and improve safety at the interchange, SHA began the $52 million interchange reconstruction project in spring 2006. This corridor is one of the most congested and heavily traveled routes in Prince George’s County, carrying more than 122,000 vehicles a day. The 1.5 mile project included construction of a new flyover ramp from I-495 to southbound MD 5, restoration of the ramp from northbound MD 5 to the inner loop of the Capital Beltway, construction of a new ramp from Auth Road at Auth Place to access the inner loop of the Capital Beltway, and improvements to pedestrian access with a crosswalk along MD 5 at Auth Road.           
          
“The completion of the I-95/MD 5 interchange marks another milestone along the I-95 Corridor,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. “Under Governor O’Malley’s leadership, safety is always our top priority and this project will have a substantial positive impact on the safety of motorists using this interchange.”           
          
During a weekend in January 2008, a section of MD 5 traffic was rerouted allowing crews to install structural steel for the new flyover ramp’s bridge. On a Saturday night this past April, SHA closed the Capital Beltway overnight to install structural steel for the ramp’s second bridge. Twelve, 20-ton, curved steel beams were erected and bolted together directly over the travel lanes of I-95. In addition, five massive cranes were used to lift the beams. A majority of the potential through-traffic that would have driven along the Beltway avoided the area. SHA was able to open I-95 to traffic by 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. Additionally, SHA made improvements in late summer at the end of the new flyover ramp from southbound I-95 to southbound MD 5 to address concerns about the new merge movement.           
          
The contractor for the project was Cherry Hill Construction, Inc. of Jessup. Those who have questions about I-495 or any other State numbered roadway in Prince George’s County should call SHA’s District 3 office at 1-800-749-0737, or visit www.marylandroads.com. Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. When workers are on the road, THINK ORANGE, which is the color of construction signs, barrels and warning devices. Please slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
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