I-81 sign
Work Will Require Overnight Ramp Closures and Detours
(August 14, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will apply a High-Friction Surface Treatment to improve traction at the I-81/Halfway Boulevard interchange in Washington County. The project will begin as soon as Monday, August 18, and be completed by August 31, weather permitting.
The
ramps impacted will be the southbound I-81 ramp to westbound Halfway Boulevard, the northbound I-81 ramp to westbound Halfway Boulevard and the westbound US 40 (National Pike) ramp to I-81. The treatment is applied to provide greater traction in areas, especially clover-leaf-style interchange ramps where frequent crashes occur, particularly when the pavement is wet.
Drivers can expect ramp closures and detours Sundays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Overnight motorists should plan extra travel time.
Detours:
From southbound I-81 to westbound Halfway Boulevard
- Drivers will be directed to eastbound I-70 to northbound I-81 and back to Halfway Boulevard.
From northbound 1-81 to westbound Halfway Boulevard
- Drivers will be directed to continue on northbound I-81 past to I-70/Roanoke then take Exit 5B to westbound Halfway Boulevard.
From westbound US 40 ramp to southbound I-81:
- Drivers will be guided to use westbound US 40 to northbound I-81 to westbound MD 58 (Salem Avenue) to southbound I-81 to westbound Huyett Lane and back to US 40.
The project is anticipated to take between one and three days per location. The State Highway Administration is Serious about Safety and motorists are encouraged to stay alert, slow down and focus on driving safely through work zones.
For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, go to
Project Portal, or visit the homepage at
roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to
md511.maryland.gov.