(August 25, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will open the new $15 million northbound Interstate 270 bridge over MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike) to motorists during a traffic switch starting at 10 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, August 25. The switch will be complete by 5 a.m. Wednesday. MDOT SHA will use message boards, temporary signs and barrels to alert motorists about the new traffic configuration.
“Throughout my administration we’ve been committed to breaking the stranglehold of traffic on our citizens and commerce,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This is a project that will benefit the Frederick area, and it’s another example of how, even during the COVID-19 emergency, Maryland continues to move forward with initiatives to relieve congestion on I-270 and the Capital Beltway.”
The new bridge is part of Governor Hogan’s investment of $1.97 billion in state bridges and highways. It’s also the final segment of a three-span structure on I-270 that has replaced two poorly rated bridges and added new exit lanes to increase capacity and ease congestion on this busy highway. Learn more about the project
HERE.
“Frederick is a critical hub in our statewide transportation network and is home to Fort Detrick, AstraZeneca, Fannie Mae and many other employers in our state,” said MDOT Secretary Greg Slater. “These infrastructure improvements help the state’s economy and reduce congestion for residents and travelers."
The new $15 million I-270 bridge is part of an overall $82 million project, scheduled to be complete in 2022, that includes widening MD 85 with additional vehicle lanes, bike lanes and sidewalks between Spectrum Drive and Crestwood Boulevard to improve safety and operations in the corridor. The bridge project is among the critical efforts MDOT SHA has performed during the COVID-19 emergency while maintaining safe operations for crews and the public.
“Replacing these structures and opening this bridge will help improve safety and mobility in the Frederick area,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “I am very proud of our frontline team members who have continued to persevere throughout the COVID-19 emergency while also being mindful of traffic passing through work zones.”
The 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. Slow down and be alert in construction zones to help ensure our team gets home safely to their families.
For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to
Project Portal. Visit our homepage at
roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to
md511.maryland.gov.
Editor’s Note
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.