(July 23, 2010) – This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) began a project to improve approximately 3.5 miles of westbound and eastbound I-68 (National Freeway) near LaVale, Allegany County.  

SHA is resurfacing the six lane highway between MD 658 (Vocke Road) and Kelly Boulevard.  SHA will also resurface the MD 658 ramp to eastbound I-68 and all four ramps at the US 220 (McMullen Highway)/I-68 interchange. 

As part of the I-68 resurfacing project, SHA will also resurface and repair the Patterson Avenue/Kelly Boulevard bridge decks (riding surface).  Ramp closures will take place throughout construction. SHA will advertise the detours in advance.

During construction motorists should expect periodic daytime and nighttime lane and ramp closures.  SHA will place variable message signs, barrels, and temporary signs will guide motorists through the work zone.  More than 29,000 vehicles travel along this section of I-68 each day.

IA Construction Corporation of Cumberland is the contractor for the $7 million project.  Customers who have questions about traffic operations on I-68, MD 658, US 220, or other State numbered routes in Allegany County, may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.  

Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups.  Choose Safety for Life and make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com. 

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