SHA to Resurface Southbound I-270 between Middlebrook Road and Muddy Branch Road in Montgomery County; Weekend Work Scheduled for September 11-12 and 18-19

(September 3, 2009) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin the second phase of a $10 million safety and resurfacing project along a nearly four mile section of southbound I-270 between Middlebrook Road and Muddy Branch Road in Montgomery County.  Weather permitting, the project should be complete spring 2010.

The project includes grinding and resurfacing all lanes of I-270 between Middlebrook Road and Muddy Branch Road.  Other work includes resurfacing the ramps at the MD 117 (W. Diamond Avenue), MD 124 (Montgomery Village Avenue/Quince Orchard Road) and Middlebrook Road interchanges, drainage improvements, upgrade existing sidewalks to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, pavement markings, curb and gutter replacement, replacement of guardrail, and replacement of the concrete median barrier along I-270.   Work along northbound I-270, which began in May, is nearing completion.

During construction, motorists can expect single lane closures along I-270 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., overnight Sunday through Thursday between 7 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., with double lane closures overnight Sunday through Thursday between 8 p.m. until 4:30 a.m.  Crews will close one of the collector-distributor lanes between Middlebrook Road and the ramp to MD 117 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and overnights Sunday through Thursday between 7 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. 

SHA is expediting the project to two weekends of milling and paving reducing long impacts to motorists.  There will be weekend double lane closures between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Friday, September 11 through Saturday, September 12 and Friday, September 18 through Saturday, September 19.

Motorists should also expect intermittent closures on the ramps to and from MD 124, Middlebrook Road, and MD 117 overnight Sunday through Thursday between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.  Detours will be posted to direct motorists to use MD 118 (Germantown Road) and MD 355 (Frederick Road).  SHA will provide variable message signs, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone.  SHA awarded the contract to F.O. Day Company, Inc. of Rockville.

When workers are on the road, THINK ORANGE, which is the color of construction signs, barrels and warning devices.  Please slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected.  Choose safety for life and to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com

Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on I-270, MD 124, MD 117, or other State numbered routes in Montgomery County may call SHA’s District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll free at 1-800-749-0737.              

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