​Final Week of Friction Treatment Project will Require Temporary Overnight Lane Closures on I-795 and MD 140 in Reisterstown Area   

(June 8, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin work Sunday night, June 11, to apply an innovative “friction surface” treatment on segments of northbound and southbound I-795 (Northwest Expressway) and MD 140 (Reisterstown Road) in Baltimore County. The work will be done overnight, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning, and will continue weeknights through Friday morning, June 23. All dates are weather permitting. 

The application is designed to improve pavement friction and help reduce truck and tractor trailer crashes. Crews will use specialized large equipment to propel steel spheres directly at the pavement surface at a high velocity. The impact of the spheres creates a random surface texture that enhances friction and surface drainage. The surface treatment makes it easier for vehicles to stop and reduce the likelihood of hydroplaning in adverse weather conditions.  

Maryland State Police will escort the specialized equipment each night as it moves slowly along I-795 between Cockeys Mill Road and MD 140, and along MD 140 between I-795 and the Carroll County line (near Glens Falls Road). Overnight lane closures for rolling operations may be in effect any time along sections of I-795 and MD 140 during the nightly work hours.    

In recent weeks the State Highway Administration has performed this process to improve friction and safety of pavements along state highways and interchanges in Baltimore County. Contractor Skidabrader previously applied this technique along areas of I-495 (Capital Beltway). The California company is one of the few firms in the country performing this technique. 

Customers with questions about this work or other projects on state-maintained roads in Baltimore County may call the State Highway Administration District 4 Office - Construction Division at 410-229-2300 or toll-free at 1-866-998-0367.  

The State Highway Administration understands roadwork can be an inconvenience for some motorists and asks travelers to plan for extra travel time, stay alert and be patient as you pass through the work zones.