(August 25, 2010) - This weekend, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will complete a $402,000 roadway repair project along nine miles of eastbound US 50 (John Hanson Highway) between the Anne Arundel County line and I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) in Prince George’s County. Weather permitting, construction will resume Friday, August 27 at 9 p.m. and will be complete by Monday, August 30 at 5 a.m. Westbound US 50 patching was completed Sunday, August 22.
Last weekend, the combination of roadwork and beach traffic resulted in major delays along westbound US 50. SHA anticipates major delays along eastbound US 50 this weekend and encourages motorists to consider using alternate routes including I-95/I-495 to MD 32 to I-97 or MD 450, which runs parallel to US 50 through Prince Georges County.
Work includes repairing more than 30, 12-foot by 12-foot concrete segments along eastbound US 50. The work is necessary because this year’s extreme heat combined with average daily traffic exceeding 210,000 vehicles caused sections of concrete to deteriorate, causing safety issues with the pavement.
“SHA apologizes for the extensive delays for US 50 travelers last weekend,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen. “Unfortunately, the repairs involve removing large sections of pavement and replacing with new concrete, which must set to ensure proper strength. We are working diligently to complete the repairs this weekend.”
During the repairs, crews completely remove entire sections of the road surface and pour new concrete, which requires at least 24 hours to cure and set. Because of the amount of time needed for the concrete to set, overnight weeknight work is not possible.
Additionally, after concrete is poured, motorists may not see significant construction activity while the new concrete sets; however restricting travel on the new concrete is critical to ensure the proper strength of the pavement before reopening to traffic.
To provide two full travel lanes for traffic, High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane restrictions will be lifted during work hours.
Drivers should also anticipate single and double-lane closures along eastbound US 50 overnight, Wednesday and Thursday night this week between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
SHA will use variable message signs, jersey barrier wall, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone. SHA awarded the contract to Concrete General, Inc. of Gaithersburg.