SHA to Close Ramp From Westbound Clara Barton Parkway to Southbound I-495 in Montgomery County to Replace Concrete Bridge Deck; Motorists Should Expect Delays          
          
(July 28, 2008) – Beginning next Monday, August 4, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $2 million rehabilitation project on the bridge from westbound Clara Barton Parkway to southbound I-495 (Capital Beltway). To protect motorists and workers, the bridge will be closed to all traffic beginning on or about August 4 through early fall, weather permitting. A detour will be in effect.           
          
The project includes constructing a new concrete bridge deck, cleaning and painting the steel bridge beams, and minor repair work on the approaching roadway. The bridge from westbound Clara Barton Parkway to southbound I-495 was originally constructed in 1961. It is structurally safe but needs repair to its concrete bridge deck (the driving surface). The project is part of SHA’s bridge preservation and replacement program.           
          
The posted detour will be: Westbound Clara Barton Parkway to the next exit at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (Forrestal Road). Traffic will make two left turns (crossing over the Clara Barton Parkway), exit back onto eastbound Clara Barton Parkway, and use the left exit to southbound I-495. In order to minimize delays, detoured ramp traffic will be permitted to make a left turn without stopping at Forrestal Road. This will be accomplished by use of a temporary stop sign along northbound Forrestal Road prior to the detoured ramp.           
          
SHA awarded the contract to Anchor Construction Company of Landover. Citizens who have questions about I-495 or any other State numbered roadway in Montgomery County should call SHA’s District 3 office at 1-800-749-0737, or visit www.marylandroads.com          
          
During the next several months, when warmer temperatures dominate, work zones will be an increasingly familiar sight along state and local roadways. On any one day, there could be more than 350 work zones. Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. When workers are on the road, THINK ORANGE, which is the color of construction signs, barrels and warning devices. Please slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected. Choose to make work zone safety your business at choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
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