Motorists Should Expect Nighttime Single Lane and Shoulder Closures

(March 15, 2016) – By the end of March, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $4.6 million project to resurface northbound I-81 between Halfway Boulevard and the Pennsylvania State line.  Weather permitting the 7.2 mile project will be complete late-summer.

“This project will improve safety and provide a smoother ride for thousands of motorists,” said SHA District 6 Engineer Anthony K. Crawford.  “We ask that drivers partner with SHA in work zone safety by slowing down and paying close attention when driving through the construction area.”

SHA’s contractor, C. William Hetzer, Inc. of Hagerstown, will patch, grind (remove the top layer of pavement), resurface and restripe the more than seven mile section of northbound I-81.  Crews will close a single-lane and shoulder overnights during construction for the safety of workers and drivers.  Additionally, crews will use barrels, dynamic message signs and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone. 

Approximately 62,000 vehicles use this section of I-81 each day with trucks being about 30 percent (18,600) of the traffic. This area of I-81 was last completely resurfaced in 1987.

For real-time travel conditions on I-81 and other roads in Maryland, log onto www.md511.org or call 511 with a hands-free device when driving.