Some Shoulder Closures Required Off-Peak on I-68 for Project Preparation; Motorists Should Expect Single-Lane Closures on MD 53
(August 31, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin a project on Thursday, September 1, to clean and paint the I-68 (National Freeway) bridge over MD 53 (Winchester Road) in LaVale.
Motorists can expect roadway shoulder closures in both directions of I-68 during non-peak periods Thursday through Saturday, September 1-3, to allow the contractor to prepare for the project. Once the setup work is completed, most of the cleaning and painting will occur without active shoulder closures. However, motorists should expect single-lane closures in both directions under the bridge on MD 53 during work hours. Motorists should anticipate extra commuting time while work is being performed.
The contractor will need to close the I-68 shoulders again Thursday through Sunday, October 20-23, as the project winds down. Overall work is expected to be completed by October 31.
MDOT SHA contractor C. William Hetzer, of Hagerstown, will use portable signage, barrels, and cones to safely guide motorists through the work zone.
MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving, and look for reduced speed limits as well as other driving pattern changes. Please drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.
Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile device for roadside assistance.
For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to
Project Portal. Visit our homepage at
roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to
md511.maryland.gov.
Editor’s Note
From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders. MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.