​(April 6, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) begins a project in Cumberland today to lengthen the ramp to westbound I-68 (National Freeway) from Willowbrook Road to Maryland Avenue in Allegany County.

MDOT SHA will extend the acceleration lane as part of a resurfacing and safety improvement project to improve access to westbound I-68. In addition to extending the acceleration lane, crews will reconstruct inlets and pave and restripe the roadway.

The inlet reconstruction could result in single lane closures of up to five days to allow concrete to set. As the project progresses into spring, motorists can expect intermittent temporary ramp closures and detours. The full $5.9 million widening project is expected to be complete summer of 2021.

MDOT SHA’s contractor, New Enterprise Stone and Lime Company from New Enterprise, PA, will perform the work.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones. For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Editor’s Note

MDOT SHA has a record amount of highway construction projects underway across the state to reduce congestion and improve safety.  From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.