I-70 sign
Project Requires Nightly Ramp Closures and Detours During Work Hours
(August 4, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will improve the driving surface of the I-70 and MD 32 (Patuxent Freeway) interchange ramps in the West Friendship area of Howard County starting Wednesday, August 6. The project is expected to be complete by October, weather permitting.
The project will improve locations in the following order:
- Northbound MD 32 ramp onto eastbound I-70
- Southbound MD 32 ramp onto westbound I-70
- Westbound I-70 ramp to MD 32 (Exit 80)
- Eastbound I-70 ramp to MD 32
The nightwork schedule is 9 p.m.-5 a.m. during the week with ramp closures and detour routes. Only one ramp will be closed each night. Motorists are advised to follow the posted signs for the detour routes. The I-70 ramp closures will use the MD 97 interchange and MD 144 (Frederick Road) for the detour, while motorists on MD 32 will be directed to use MD 144 and Marriottsville Road.
Due to increased traffic during the Howard County Fair this week. milling operations scheduled overnight on Wednesday, August 6 and Thursday, August 7 will focus on the I-70 ramps to MD 32. Any closures on MD 32 ramps will be delayed until 12 a.m.
The project starts with repairs on surface pavement depressions and milling operations. Crews will then install a new driving surface and pavement markings.
The contractor, C.J. Miller, LLC, based in Hampstead, will use electronic message boards, signs, barrels and cones to alert motorists to the ramp closures, detour routes and work zone.
The State Highway Administration works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving, and look for reduced speed limits as well as other traffic pattern changes.