​(January 12, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will implement a new traffic pattern on northbound I-270 (Washington National Pike) at MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike) on Wednesday, January 13. The new pattern is part of the $87.7 million I-270/MD 85 interchange project to improve safety and reduce congestion.   

At 9 p.m., MDOT SHA crews will permanently close I-270 northbound exit 31 B, to southbound MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike), and make improvements on exit 31 A, which currently connects only to northbound MD 85. Once work is completed this summer, exit 31 A will have a traffic signal and access to both north and southbound MD 85.   

The exit 31 B closure includes a detour directing motorists to continue on northbound I-270, travel to eastbound I-70 and take the exit for southbound MD 85. The detour will remain in place until work at exit 31 A is finished this summer.   

The I-270/MD 85 interchange project also replaces two I-270 bridges and widens MD 85 by adding a new travel lane in both directions between Spectrum Drive and Crestwood Boulevard. The overall project is expected to be complete in fall 2022.    

Learn more about the project by clicking HERE or view MDOT SHA’s video about the project by clicking HERE.    

The project is among the important work MDOT SHA is accomplishing during the COVID-19 emergency while focusing on the health and safety of the public and our team. MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews and our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits and other driving pattern changes. Please drive like you work here and slow down 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.