(August 3, 2011) – Earlier this week, SHA installed warning signs for the deployment of Maryland SafeZones automated speed enforcement cameras as part of a $3.8 million resurfacing project along southbound I-95 in Prince George’s County.  Warning signs will be present through August 22 and citations will begin August 23.  The speed cameras will slow traffic and protect workers and motorists as SHA mills and resurfaces a five-mile section of southbound I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) between D’Arcy Road (north of MD 4) and MD 5 (Branch Avenue) in Prince George’s County.  The project began this week and weather permitting should be complete late-fall.

In addition to grinding and resurfacing southbound I-95, SHA will repair/replace existing inlets, clean pipes, repair/replace guardrail and concrete curb and gutter and install new pavement markings.   The ramps from SB I-95 to MD 4 also will be milled and paved.

The project will improve the ride quality and safety for more than 200,000 drivers on southbound             I-95/I-495.   SHA last resurfaced this section of I-95 in 2001.

Motorists may experience delays on I-95 during construction.  Crews may close one lane weeknights beginning at 8 p.m. and two lanes beginning at 9 p.m.  Triple-lane closures, while infrequent, may also occur between midnight and 5 a.m.   Crews may also close ramps for resurfacing weeknights between
10 p.m. and 5 a.m. though ramp work is not anticipated until mid-fall.

Maryland SafeZones mobile enforcement vehicles using laser technology rotate among eligible work zones throughout the State.  In addition to the location on southbound I-95, other work zones featuring SafeZones include:  I-95 between MD 198 and MD 212 (ICC work zone) in Prince George’s County,
I-695 at Charles Street in Baltimore County, I-695 at Liberty Road in Baltimore County; I-95 Express Toll Lane (ETL) project in northeastern Baltimore County; I-70 in Frederick County; I-495 over Northwest Branch Bridge in Montgomery County and I-270 at MD 80 in Frederick County.

The law allows law enforcement to use speed cameras to fine drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 12 mph or more in work zones along controlled access roadways with a 45 mph or more speed limit.
Even when workers are not present, work zones can be dangerous due to uneven pavement and modified signage placement.  On average, 12 people are killed per year and nearly 1,500 people injured in crashes in work zones in Maryland.

SHA will use variable message signs, jersey barrier, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone.  The contract was awarded to F.O. Day Co., Inc.

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 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.

Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on I-95/I-495, MD 4, or other state numbered routes in Prince George’s County may call SHA’s District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll free at 1-800-749-0737.  Citizens can also subscribe to the District 3 RSS feed at http://www.marylandroads.com/pages/districts.aspx?did=d3

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