Four Interchange Ramps Will Be Improved for Truck and Motorist Safety          
          
(November 12, 2008) – This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $3.4 million project to improve safety at the I-70 (Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway) and I-81 (Maryland Veterans Memorial Highway) interchange in Hagerstown, Washington County.           
          
SHA will construct adjacent acceleration and deceleration lanes to provide a safer transition within the interchange. Additionally, SHA will resurface the existing ramps, constructing a storm water management facility, and undertake routine repairs to the interchange lighting. SHA will complete the project in summer 2009, weather permitting.           
          
The project also includes the following safety enhancements for the I-70/I-81 interchange:          
• Construction of an approximately 2,000 foot acceleration lane along the existing collector road for the ramp from northbound I-81 to eastbound           
I-70 to improve safety as motorists merge onto I-70.          
          
• Construction of a 1,000 foot deceleration lane along the collector road for the ramp from westbound I-70 to northbound I-81 to improve safety as motorists merge onto the exit ramp.          
          
• Construction of a storm water management facility within the ramp loop from westbound I-70 to southbound I-81to improve water quality and drainage.          
          
• Temporary closure of the ramp from southbound I-81 to eastbound I-70 for approximately one month next spring to reduce the sharpness of the curve.           
          
During the ramp closure, motorists wishing to access eastbound I-70 from southbound I-81 will be detoured to the exit for US 11 (Virginia Avenue). The detour will take motorists to northbound I-81, then back to eastbound I-70. As part of the detour, SHA will close one lane in each direction of US 11 at the interchange, which will provide a safer transition from US 11 to the ramp for I-81 North.          
          
Motorists should expect shoulder closures along I-81 and I-70 ramps and collector roads at the interchange as needed during the week. Variable message signs, barrels, and arrow boards will guide motorists through the detour and work zone.           
          
The I-70/I-81 interchange carries 55,000 vehicles per day – 34 percent of which is truck traffic. SHA awarded the contract to C. William Hetzer, Inc. of Hagerstown. Those who have questions about traffic operations along I-70, I-81, or other State numbered routes in Washington County, may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.           
          
During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones underway. 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. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
          
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