May 31, 2011 – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) today closed the right lane on the southbound I-81 Bridge over the Potomac River in Washington County to allow crews to repair a pothole.   

Potholes on bridge surfaces require more significant repairs than normal potholes.  Crews will today cut out a square section around the deck puncture, remove the existing concrete and clean out the area, which is approximately two feet by four feet.  Crews will then pour concrete, which requires several hours to set and cure.  SHA anticipates opening the right lane to traffic by no later than 5 a.m. tomorrow morning. 

SHA maintenance crews have placed two portable message signs, five miles prior to the right lane closure and a second message sign two miles prior to the lane closure to alert motorists along southbound I-81.  Significant delays on southbound I-81 are possible this afternoon, particularly between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Construction season is here with numerous active work zone sites that include major construction projects taking months to complete and mobile operations taking only minutes.  While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert - look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don't follow too closely.  Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones.  For everyone.