County Roadway to be Closed Through the End of the Year; Part of I-70 Bridge Replacement          
          
          
(October 6, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is reminding residents and motorists that Black Rock Road is temporarily closed to traffic in Washington County. The closure is part of the $6.7 million project to replace the bridges along eastbound and westbound I-70 over Black Rock Road. SHA will reopen Black Rock Road by the end of the year. The overall bridge project will be complete in fall 2009, weather permitting.          
          
SHA closed Black Rock Road on Monday, September 29 to expedite construction of the westbound I-70 bridge. During the bridge closure, crews will lower the elevation of Black Rock Road to meet the required 15-foot underclearance for the bridge. In addition, SHA will set the structural steel for the westbound I-70 bridge and complete drainage improvements.          
          
To access Black Rock Road north of I-70, traffic is being routed south along Stottlemeyer Road to US 40 (National Pike) east to north along Crystal Falls Drive to west along Ridenour Road back to Black Rock Road. To reach points south of I-70, traffic will be detoured east along Ridenour Road then south along Crystal Falls Drive to US 40 (National Pike), west to Stottlemeyer Road back to Black Rock Road.          
          
Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along I-70, 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.           
          
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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