Bridge Improvement Project Designed to Replace Structures Along I-70; Minimal Impact to I-70 Expected          
          
(May 2, 2008) – This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) began a $6.7 million project to replace the bridges along eastbound and westbound I-70 over Black Rock Road in Washington County. The project will be complete spring 2010, weather permitting.          
          
The two 42 year old bridges over Black Rock Road, north of Boonsboro, have out lived their usable life. The bridges carry 65,000 motorists per day. As part of the bridge project, Black Rock Road will be lowered to allow fifteen feet of clearance for the bridge.           
          
Single-lane off-peak closures will occur Monday through Thursday along westbound I-70 between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. and eastbound I-70 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. over the next three weeks as the median is excavated in preparation for the new temporary bridge. After completion of the temporary bridge, traffic along I-70 will be maintained on the new bridge in the median. The westbound bridge span will be replaced first, followed by the eastbound side. Variable message signs will be placed in advance of the traffic shift to alert motorists.           
          
For residents near Black Rock Road, the roadway will be closed periodically during construction; signs will be placed in advance of the bridge in both directions to alert motorists of the closure and detour route. The detour route for Black Rock Road will follow Ridenour Road, then along Crystal Falls Drive to US 40 (National Pike), then to Stottlemeyer Road.           
          
SHA encourages motorists to stay alert in work zones. SHA awarded the contract to Greenhorne & O'Mara, Inc. of Baltimore. Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on I-70 or other state numbered routes in Washington County, may call SHA’s District 6 Office toll free at 1-800-760-7138.           
          
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