​(December 14, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will conduct a traffic switch on the MD 56 (Big Pool Road) bridge over I-70  (Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway) in Big Pool tomorrow, Dec. 15. Starting at 7 a.m., crews will close the MD 56 bridge and I-70 traffic will be detoured. The switch is expected to be complete by 4 p.m.    

MDOT SHA crews will switch MD 56 bridge traffic to the southbound travel lane so crews can work on the northbound section of the bridge. Motorists traveling I-70 eastbound, will be detoured to MD 68 and then continue to I-70 west. I-70 westbound traffic will be detoured to MD 615 (Millstone Road) to I-70 eastbound.    

MDOT SHA contractor, Concrete General, Inc of Gaithersburg, will be conducting the work. Portable message signs will be in place on MD 56 and I-70 to notify motorists of the switch. Barrels and road closed signs will be in place during the closure. Detour signs, traffic cones and traffic barrels will assist motorists in moving through this detour.     

This work is part of the MD 56 bridge rehabilitation and deck replacement project. Learn more about the project HERE.    

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 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.