(May 1, 2015) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is improving safety and installing new guardrail in the center of more than eight miles of  I-68 (National Freeway) between Old Morgantown Road and Shade Hollow Road.  Weather permitting; the $1.8 million project will be complete mid-fall.

“The center median barrier will enhance safety for local residents, visitors and commercial vehicle drivers who travel this route regularly,” said SHA District Engineer Anthony Crawford.  “SHA will also repair and replace aging existing guard rail along the shoulders of I-68.”

During the center median guardrail project, crews will close one lane and shoulder of I-68.  Crews will typically work from 6 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.  Arrow boards, cones and barrels will guide the nearly 15,000 daily motorists through the work zone.

The spring and summer construction season is getting into high gear. For a statewide listing of most SHA projects, click here for e-Road Ready 2015.

In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones. Always expect the unexpected, pay extra close attention and drive slowly through any work zone. Whether it’s a tree trimming operation or a bridge project, be aware when orange is there: Think Orange (the color of construction equipment and signs), stay alert and slow down. Everyone is at risk.

In four out of five work zone-related crashes, it is the driver or passenger who is injured or killed. In 2014, nine people lost their lives in Maryland work zone crashes, including four highway workers. While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to keep traffic safely moving in work zones, please partner with us because work zone safety is everyone’s business – slow down and stay alert. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone.