(September 2, 2009)  Beginning on or about September 9, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will shift traffic on MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) near Bonifant Road/Good Hope Road to allow for construction of the permanent northbound MD 650 Bridge over the future $2.5 billion Intercounty Connector (ICC).  The traffic shifts will take place on September 9 and 10 and are weather permitting.

During this two-day transition, crews will shift southbound MD 650 slightly to the right and northbound MD 650 to the left, adjacent to the southbound lanes separated by concrete barrier.  SHA will install concrete barrier to provide a temporary hiker/biker path along the eastside of MD 650, which will help maintain pedestrian access through the work zone.  Motorists should expect temporary lane closures during the traffic pattern change.

The traffic shift along southbound MD 650 will begin south of Bonifant Road/Good Hope Road and continue to Colesville Manor Drive.  On Thursday night, September 10, crews will shift northbound MD  650 beginning north of the Orchard Way intersection and to south of Bonifant Road/Good Hope Road.  SHA will use signs, cones, barrels, variable warning signs and temporary flagging operations to guide motorists through the work zone.

SHA will maintain two lanes in each direction during peak travel times, as well as pedestrian access along relocated sidewalks.  All lanes of MD 650 will be open by 5 a.m. each morning during the traffic shifts.  The ICC/MD 650 interchange completion is slated for mid-2011.
 

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, citizens may 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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