Motorists Should Expect Single-Lane Closures through This Fall; ARRA Funded Resurfacing Will Improve Safety and Ride Quality
 

(September 2, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) recently began a $3.4 million project to improve approximately seven miles of westbound I-70 between west of I-270 and Hollow Road, west of the City of Frederick.  SHA anticipates completing the project this fall, weather permitting. 

In addition to the resurfacing, SHA will widen the shoulders at four emergency vehicle crossovers along I-70 between I-270 and Hollow Road.  Widening the shoulders will allow a safer transition for emergency vehicles to the crossover and enhance emergency response time. 

Crews will close a single lane of westbound I-70 Sunday 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and Monday through Thursday 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.  Additionally, nighttime double-lane closures are possible along the three lane section climbing Braddock Mountain.  Variable message signs, barrels, and arrow boards will guide motorists through the work zone.  More than 72,000 vehicles travel along this section of I-70 each day so motorists should expect delays.  As part of the project, SHA will also perform routine maintenance on the stormwater management system.

This project is made possible through Governor Martin O’Malley’s aggressive management of the requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), bringing critically needed transportation investments to Maryland.  Projects such as these are stimulating Maryland’s economy by supporting hundreds of jobs.  Follow the delivery of these projects at www.recovery.maryland.gov, which tracks every category of ARRA spending and provides contract-level details to the public in an effort to achieve new levels of government transparency and efficiency.

SHA awarded the contract to F.O. Day, Inc.  Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along I-70, I-270, or other State numbered routes in Frederick County may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119. 

Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups.  Choose Safety for Life in work zones; learn more at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.   

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