​Overnight Work Includes Activating New Traffic Signals on Northbound I-270 Ramp Providing Safe Access to Both Directions of MD 85

(January 24, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will open new exit ramps on MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike) to northbound I-270 during overnight work tonight, Monday, January 24. Starting at 8 p.m., crews will activate new traffic signals, apply new pavement markings and install signage on MD 85 to direct motorists to the new ramps. MDOT SHA will then open the new exit ramps to northbound I-270 on northbound and southbound MD 85. The overnight work will end by 6 a.m. the following morning, Tuesday, January 25, weather permitting.   

The new exit ramp on northbound MD 85 is located about a quarter-mile south of the existing exit, and improves operations for the heavy turning movements that occur along MD 85. The new configuration is known as a partial diverging diamond – motorists using the new exit to northbound I-270 will cross over southbound MD 85 using a traffic signal. The existing exit and traffic signal will close after the new ramp opens to traffic.   

The following temporary roadway closures will be required during the overnight work:   

• Exit 31B on southbound I-270 to southbound MD 85 will close. Motorists will be detoured to the next exit at MD 80 (Fingerboard Road) and then use northbound I-270 to eastbound I-70 to access southbound MD 85.   
• Crestwood Boulevard will close between MD 85 and Westview Drive. Motorists will use Westview Drive to Executive Way to access MD 85.   

During the overnight work Monday evening into Tuesday morning, motorists also should expect lane shifts and restrictions on MD 85 northbound and southbound as well as northbound I-270 to allow crews to safely install new signage. During the overnight work, MDOT SHA will also activate the new traffic signals at the end of the northbound I-270 exit ramp to MD 85. The new signals will provide improved operations and access to both northbound and southbound MD 85.   

This work is part of MDOT SHA’s $87.7 million I-270/MD 85 interchange project to improve safety and reduce congestion. The project 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. The project is expected to be complete in spring 2023. 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. Please drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.

Motorists can dial #77 on their mobile device for roadside assistance. 

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.