​(May 4, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will establish a new traffic pattern on southbound I-270 (Washington National Pike) at MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike) starting tomorrow night.  This has been rescheduled from  May 5 to May 6. 

At 8 p.m., MDOT SHA crews will shift all southbound travel lanes to the left, moving traffic closer to the I-270 median. The work will require a single lane closure on southbound I-270. The traffic shift is expected to be complete by 4 a.m. on Friday, May 7.   

In addition, crews will install concrete barrier in the MD 85 median and on the northbound shoulder. The new traffic pattern on I-270 and MD 85 is necessary so construction crews can safely widen MD 85 underneath the I-270 bridge.   

This work is part of MDOT SHA’s $87.7 million I-270/MD 85 interchange project to improve safety and reduce congestion. As part of the project, crews replaced two I-270 bridges and will widen MD 85 by adding a new travel lane in both directions between Spectrum Drive and Crestwood Boulevard. It is expected to be complete in fall 2022. 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 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..