Ramps Will Close Overnight as Part of the I-70/East Street Interchange Project           
          
(April 18, 2008) - As part of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration’s (SHA) $93 million interchange and highway extension project along I-70 at MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike)/MD 475 (East Street), SHA will install a water main under South Street in Frederick County on Sunday night, April 27.           
          
Beginning at 9 p.m., SHA will close the entrance and exit ramps from eastbound I-70 onto South Street (Exit 55); all lanes will open by 5 a.m. on Monday morning,           
April 28, weather permitting. In the case of inclement weather, the closure will be rescheduled for Sunday night, May 4.           
          
Portable variable message signs alerting motorists of the closure will be placed along I-70 east in advance of the exit and along South Street. The overhead message sign along eastbound I-70 will also be used to alert motorists of the temporary closure. SHA encourages motorists to use Exit 54 (MD 355/MD 85) or Exit 56 (MD 144 - Patrick Street) as alternate routes to avoid the ramp closure.          
          
The overall interchange project is scheduled to be complete in fall 2009, weather permitting. 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.          
          
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