Resurfacing along Northbound I-270 to begin this week in Montgomery County; Southbound I-270 Resurfacing to Begin Later this Summer          
          
(May 5, 2009) – Beginning this week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $10 million safety and resurfacing project along a four mile section of I-270 between Muddy Branch Road and Middlebrook Road in Montgomery County. Weather permitting, work will begin on the northbound side of I-270 this week. Work along southbound I-270 is expected to begin mid-summer. The entire project, including resurfacing along both north and southbound I-270, should be complete late fall 2009.          
          
The overall project includes grinding and resurfacing all lanes of I-270 between Muddy Branch Road and Middlebrook 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;           
• Improving highway drainage;          
• Upgrading existing sidewalks on MD 124 and Middlebrook Road at the I-270 interchange to ADA standards;          
• Replacement of the concrete median barrier and curb and gutter; and          
• Re-striping the roadway.          
          
During construction, motorists can expect single lane closures along I-270 Sunday through Thursday nights between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. However, northbound I-270 lane closures are permitted through 6 a.m. (due to the heavier southbound a.m. traffic flow) and southbound I-270 lane closures are permitted to begin at 7 p.m. (due to the heavier northbound p.m. traffic flow) There may also be single lane closures in the collector-distributor lanes between Muddy Branch Road and the ramp to MD 124, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and overnights, Sunday through Thursday between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.           
          
Motorists should also expect periodic overnight closures at the MD 124, MD 117 and Middlebrook Interchanges. SHA will establish local detour routes during temporary ramp closures. All ramp and interchange ramps will be open by 5 a.m. each morning. SHA will provide variable message signs, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone. SHA awarded the northbound I-270 contract to R.F. Kline, Inc of Frederick and the southbound I-270 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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