SHA Will Continue Off Peak Closures To Continue Through Late Fall on Ramp from Westbound Clara Barton Parkway to Southbound I-495 in Montgomery County; Motorists Should Expect Delays          
          
          
(October 23, 2008) – Tomorrow afternoon, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will reopen the ramp from westbound Clara Barton Parkway to southbound I-495 (Capital Beltway). The ramp closed in late summer for the $2 million bridge rehabilitation project. The project included construction of a new concrete bridge deck, cleaning and painting the steel bridge beams, minor repair work on the approaching roadway, and guardrail removal and replacement.          
          
In order to accommodate the remaining work and for motorist and worker safety, crews will continue with off peak, intermittent ramp closures for up to 10 working days between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The daytime closures could begin as soon as early November, weather permitting. The same detour will be in effect.           
          
The posted detour is: Westbound Clara Barton Parkway to the next exit at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (Forrestal Road). Traffic will make two left turns (crossing over the Clara Barton Parkway), exit back onto eastbound Clara Barton Parkway, and use the left exit to southbound I-495.           
          
The bridge from westbound Clara Barton Parkway to southbound I-495 was originally constructed in 1961. It is structurally safe but needed repair to its concrete bridge deck (the driving surface). The project is part of SHA’s bridge preservation and replacement program. SHA awarded the contract to Anchor Construction Company of Landover. Those who have questions about I-495 or any other State numbered roadway in Montgomery County should call SHA’s District 3 office at 1-800-749-0737, or visit www.marylandroads.com          
          
On any one day, there could be more than 350 work zones. 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 choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
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