Motorists Advised to Watch for New Traffic Pattern; Ramp to Provide Direct Access to Southbound MD 5          
          
(July 29, 2008) - On Friday morning, August 1, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will open the new flyover ramp from southbound I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) to southbound MD 5. Motorists are urged to be aware of new traffic patterns during the traffic switch. The flyover ramp is the cornerstone of the $52 million Branch Avenue Interchange reconstruction project. Weather permitting, the ramp will be open by 5 a.m.          
          
Branch Avenue is one of the heaviest traveled roads in Prince George’s County, with an average of more than 122,000 vehicles per day near I-95. The flyover ramp will help ease congestion and eliminate the current merge condition that currently exists at the Branch Avenue/I-95 Interchange.          
          
SHA has installed VMS and static signs to assist drivers with the new traffic pattern. The overall I-95/MD 5 project began in March 2006 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting. SHA’s contractor for the project is Cherry Hill Construction of Jessup.           
          
Citizens who have questions about MD 5, I-95/I-495 or any other State numbered roadway in Prince George’s county, please call SHA’s District 3 office toll free at 1-800-749-0737. SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly and “Think Orange” while driving through work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times. Learn more about work zone safety at choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
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