Partnership Project with Frederick County Improves Safety, Roadway Access
(February 9, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will assist Frederick County with a project to improve safety and roadway access on MD 144 (Old National Pike). MDOT SHA crews will close a 100-foot section of westbound MD 144 (Old National Pike) between the area prior to the I-70 overpass and Meadow Road. The closure is expected to be in place through March.
This project is delayed due to weather. The new start date is now Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
Motorists on westbound MD 144 will be directed to turn right onto eastbound MD 144 and use the roundabout at Eaglehead Drive to return to westbound MD 144. The shoulder of eastbound MD 144 under I-70 will also be closed. Traffic on I-70 will not be impacted by the work or closure.
The closures are necessary to safely complete work on the new eastbound I-70 ramp and connect the new ramp to MD 144. The project is part of a public-private partnership between Frederick County and Elm Street Development.
MDOT SHA completed a planning study for the improvements, reviewed plans, issued permits and is providing inspection services for the project. The contractor, Kinsley Construction, will use electronic signs, cones and barrels to alert motorists about the road closure and detour.
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 Maryland State Police and 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.