(July 13, 2011) - Beginning Saturday, July 16, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will shift traffic on New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650) to allow for continued construction of median curb and gutter and work on the MD 650 interchange of the Intercounty Connector (ICC).

Two lanes of traffic on southbound MD 650 will shift approximately 12 feet to the right, placing southbound traffic on the permanent alignment crossing the ICC at the MD 650 interchange.

Pedestrian access will be maintained on new sidewalk along southbound MD 650.  The work zone will encompass northbound and southbound lanes and will be separated by concrete barrier in each direction.

SHA will use advance warning signs for southbound motorists to advise of the changed traffic patterns and variable message signs will alert motorists of specific activities and travel patterns. During the transition, lane closures are expected and motorists should anticipate delays. Lane closures and flagging operations will allow for the installation of concrete barrier and new pavement markings along the southbound lanes.

In approximately two weeks, Saturday, July 30, two lanes of traffic on northbound MD 650 will be shifted to the left adjacent to the southbound traffic and separated by median curb.

On Saturday, July 30, crews will shift the northbound lanes approximately 24 feet to the left allowing traffic over the newly constructed section of the MD 650 Bridge over the ICC. 

The northbound lane shift will start north of Copley Lane.  Temporary lane closures will allow for the transition of the northbound lanes. Pavement markings will delineate the new traffic pattern. Advance warning signs for northbound motorists will advise motorists of the new traffic pattern and variable message signs will alert travelers of specific activities and travel patterns. Two lanes in each direction will be maintained during peak travel times, as well as pedestrian access along relocated walkways. This phase of the ICC/MD 650 interchange construction will continue through August.  The MD 650 interchange completion is scheduled for late 2011. The New Hampshire Avenue interchange is located within the parameters of Contract B of the ICC (Georgia Avenue to US 29), which along with Contract C (US 29 to I-95), is also slated open to traffic later this year.

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.

For more information about the project, please call the ICC Community Outreach Staff at 1-866-462-0020, or visit the ICC project web site at www.iccproject.com.

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