NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED – WORK TO BE RESCHEDULED           
          
(April 3, 2008) – Due to forecasted storms on Friday evening, April 4, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has postponed Friday April 4th ’s scheduled placement of structural steel along I-95 at MD 5 (Branch Avenue). SHA is working with the contractor to reschedule the setting of 12 twenty-ton, curved steel beams and mobilization of the five massive cranes needed to lift the beams in place.          
          
Safety is SHA’s number-one priority and inclement weather forecasted for this weekend presents a hazard to both workers and motorists. Setting structural steel on bridges requires dry conditions, as well as winds less then 25 miles-per-hour. SHA regrets any inconvenience to motorists and citizens affected by the postponement.           
          
The $52 million I-95/MD 5 project began in March 2006 and is expected to be completed by summer 2009, weather permitting. SHA’s contractor for the project is Cherry Hill Construction of Jessup. Citizens who have questions about Branch Avenue, 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 or log onto www.marylandroads.com          
          
As a reminder, the Capital Beltway’s Outer Loop (I-95 North/I-495 East) will be reduced from four to three lanes beginning at the Eisenhower Connector Exit on or about the weekend of April 4th. Currently, the Outer Loop transitions from four to three lanes, one mile farther east, at the Telegraph Road Exit. The extension of this three-lane configuration to the Eisenhower Connector Exit is needed to accommodate construction that will be ramping up on and near the Capital Beltway, as part of the Telegraph Road Interchange reconstruction.           
          
The Telegraph Road Interchange effort, valued at $236 million, is the final major contract of the $2.5 billion Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project. For more information, log onto www.wilsonbridge.com. 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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