Motorists Should Expect Nighttime Lane Closures

(September 8, 2016) – As part of its efforts to improve the ride quality for thousands of motorists Frederick County, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will resurface 3.5 miles of southbound I-270 between MD 80 (Fingerboard Road) and the Montgomery County line.  Crews will begin the $1.7 million project next week and should finish mid-fall, weather permitting.

SHA has an $800,000 project underway resurfacing southbound I-270 between I-70 and MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike.)  Click here for more information about this project, which should be complete within the next few weeks.

Resurfacing projects provide a smoother ride, increase roadway service life and enhance safety by improving friction, drainage and visibility of pavement markings. Approximately 82,000 vehicles use this section of I-270 each day.

Crews will work Mondays through Fridays between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. and Saturday into Sundays between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Motorists will encounter single lane closures during work hours. SHA will use barrels, dynamic message signs and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone.

SHA’s contractor, Pleasants Paving Inc. of Frederick, will patch, grind (remove the top layer of pavement), resurface and restripe the pavement and replace guardrail along the roadway. 

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.

A complete listing of current roadway projects is included in e-Road Ready 2016, the online brochure. Maryland drivers can also know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including construction delays and lane closures. Those who have questions about SHA projects in Howard County may call the SHA District 7 Office at 301-729-8400, toll-free at 1-800-760-7138 or send email to shadistrict7@sha.state.md.us.