Temporary Traffic Control Measures along I-70 between the Park and Ride Lot and I-695 Interchange To Discourage Illegal Street Racing     

(July 29, 2009) – On Thursday, July 30 at 9 a.m., the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration’s (SHA) will begin work to close one lane along westbound I-70 between the Park and Ride lot and the I-695 interchange in an effort to discourage late-night illegal street racing along this section of I-70 in Baltimore County.

Crews will modify existing pavement markings along this section of westbound I-70 on Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and install six-foot wide portable reflective traffic barriers at 300-foot intervals.   SHA worked closely with the Maryland State Police to determine the appropriate safety improvements to reduce the possibility of street racing.

“Safety along I-70 and on all State roads is our top priority,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen.  “I appreciate Colonel Sheridan’s commitment to continuing active patrols along I-70 and thank him and his staff for their tireless pursuit of highway safety.”

"The highway engineering changes being made by the State Highway Administration will significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the ability to conduct illegal street racing, while not impeding the normal flow of traffic in the area," Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan said.  "I appreciate the prompt actions of the State Highway Administration which, when combined with our ongoing patrol operations in the area, will effectively address this situation." 
  

After 9 a.m. Thursday, traffic will permanently be shifted to one lane along westbound I-70 between the Park and Ride lot and I-695.  Motorists traveling from the Park and Ride lot to westbound I-70 will stay left.  Motorists traveling from Ingleside Avenue to westbound I-70 will no longer have an exclusive lane and will merge left at the end of the ramp.

The traffic barriers and new pavement markings are intended to slow traffic and reduce speed.  SHA will evaluate traffic patterns over the next several weeks and determine what, if any, additional enhancements may be needed.  

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