(August 21, 2009)  -- Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will complete two traffic shifts integral to the construction of the Intercounty Connector (ICC).  The upcoming work is part of “Contract B”, which includes the ICC and interchanges from Georgia Avenue (MD 97) to US 29 and is scheduled to open in 2011.

Traffic patterns are scheduled to change at the following locations:

• Longmead Crossing Drive - On or about August 24, crews will shift traffic west of existing Longmead Crossing Drive onto a temporary road allowing for construction of a permanent bridge over the ICC.  Crews will shift traffic back to the existing road summer 2010.  Pedestrian access will be maintained via temporary sidewalk connections on the west side of Longmead Crossing Drive at Valleyfield Drive.

• MD 182 (Layhill Road) - On or about August 28, crews will shift Layhill Road traffic onto a temporary road allowing for construction of a permanent bridge over the ICC, as well as work on the ICC/MD 182 interchange.  During this one-day transition, SHA will alternate traffic using a flagging operation and temporary lane closures. 

SHA will be working between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on August 24 and 28th.  Barrier walls, temporary crash cushions, barrels, guardrail, temporary traffic signs and variable message boards will alert and guide motorists through work areas. 

SHA reminds motorists to “Think Orange” as they drive through the work zone, reduce speeds and be attentive.  Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but also smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick-up.  Choose to make work zone safety your business by visiting www.choosesafetyforlife.com.

For more information about the project, please call the ICC Community Outreach Staff at 1-866-462-0020, or visit the ICC project web site at www.iccproject.com.

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