(July 8, 2015) – The Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration (SHA) has completed one-half of the $9.6 million MD 193 (University Boulevard) bridge replacement project in Silver Spring. Crews recently finished the new westbound side of the bridge, which carries University Boulevard over I-495 (Capital Beltway), and will shift all traffic onto the new structure to reconstruct the 2nd half of the bridge.

As the contractor prepares the structure to handle traffic with signs and striping, crews will work tonight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. through Thursday this week. The traffic switch was originally schedule in mid-June but was postponed because of scheduling conflicts. Weather permitting; both eastbound and westbound motorists will travel on the new bridge by 5 a.m. Friday. During the shift, the Maryland State Police will stop traffic for 15 minute intervals on MD 193 and possibly I-495 below for the safety of workers and travelers. The work may cause traffic delays, so drivers should allow extra time if traveling overnight on either highway.

Additionally, crews will apply new pavement markings on Williamsburg and Indian Spring drives and realign the traffic signal the exit ramp from westbound I-495 to MD 193.  Once all traffic shift work is complete, the contractor will place concrete barriers to create a work zone for demolition and construction of the eastbound side of the bridge.

The eastbound side of the bridge will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic for the remainder of the project. Signs will direct pedestrians to safely cross on the westbound side of MD 193 until the eastbound bridge work is complete.

Following the traffic shift, crews may close one lane in both directions of MD 193 weekdays, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and up to two lanes overnight, Sundays through Thursdays between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The MD 193 bridge replacement project began spring 2013. Other work completed to date includes utility relocations and road widening of MD 193. Weather permitting; the entire project should be complete late summer 2016.

In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones. Click here for a listing of major SHA projects in Maryland.  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.

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