Project Funded Through Landmark American Recovery and Reinvestment Act           
          
(April 17, 2009) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $1 million safety and resurfacing improvement project along more than one-mile of northbound I-270 between MD 80 (Fingerboard Road) and Bennett Creek in Frederick County. Weather permitting, SHA will complete the project in late summer.           
          
Safety improvements include resurfacing all northbound travel lanes; upgrading guardrail, installing rumble strips along both shoulders, and installing new pavement markers. At the existing vehicle crossover, SHA will also construct a 500 ft acceleration lane to provide emergency vehicles a safe merge onto northbound I-270. This section of I-270 carries approximately 82,000 vehicles each day.          
          
Initially, crews will install temporary signs and begin preliminary work. During construction, motorists should expect single-lane closures along northbound I-270, Monday through Thursday between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and Friday between midnight and 6 a.m. SHA will provide variable message signs and barrels to guide motorists through the work zone.          
          
This project is funded through President Barack Obama’s landmark American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Projects such as this will stimulate Maryland’s economy by preserving and maintaining thousands of jobs.          
          
SHA awarded the contract to Ardent Company of Virginia. Those who have questions about traffic operations along I-270, or other State numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119. SHA reminds all drivers to buckle up, obey posted speed limits, think orange, and stay alert in the work zone. Motorists can learn more by logging onto www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
          
Motorists should plan for potential daytime delays when driving through the work zone. During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones. 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 to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
          
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