New Traffic Pattern along MD 355 on December 1 as Part of I-70 Interchange/East Street Extension           
          
(November 28, 2008) - As part of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration’s (SHA) $93 million interchange and safety improvement project along I-70 at MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike)/MD 475 (East Street), SHA will next week shift northbound MD 355 (Urbana Pike) north of the Walser Drive intersection. Weather permitting; the new traffic pattern will begin on Monday, December 1.           
          
On Monday, December 1, at approximately 9 p.m., SHA will shift traffic along northbound MD 355 north of the Walser Drive intersection to the newly constructed additional northbound lanes. SHA is widening MD 355 as part of the overall I-70 interchange project. Shifting northbound traffic to the new northbound lanes will allow crews to work in the median of the roadway while maintaining traffic flow along MD 355.           
          
Additionally, SHA will shift traffic along Walser Drive to a newly constructed section as part of roadway widening for the East Street extension. SHA will shift traffic to allow crews work on the south side of the road. The interchange project is scheduled for completion fall 2009, weather permitting. Variable message signs, barrels, and flaggers will guide motorists through the new traffic pattern.          
          
SHA reminds motorists to reduce speeds, stay alert and use caution while driving through work zones. Remember work zones include not only large construction projects, but smaller, mobile operations such as pothole repair and litter pick up. When workers are on the road, THINK ORANGE, which is the color of construction signs, barrels and warning devices. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
          
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