​(February 26, 2018) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will close and detour eastbound I-68 (National Freeway) at MD 53 (Winchester Road) for two weeks beginning March 4 in LaVale. The closure and detour are necessary for welding repairs underneath of the Winchester Road Bridge. After welding is complete on eastbound I-68, which is expected to take approximately two weeks, crews will shift to westbound I-68. The entire welding project should be complete by the end of March.

“The total closures are necessary to eliminate vibrations on the bridge from traffic to ensure adequate weld joints,” said MDOT SHA District Engineer Anthony Crawford. “We appreciate motorists’ patience during the bridge work.”

Crews will work Sunday nights through Friday mornings from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Motorists will be directed off onto exit 34, MD 36 (New Georges Creek Road SW) to US 40 alternate (National Pike) to exit 40, MD 658 (Vocke Road) and back to eastbound I-68.

 

 

 

(MDOT SHA graphic: I-68 Detour Routes During Overnight Welding Repairs March 2018.)

In approximately two weeks when crews switch to westbound I-68, overnight travelers will be detoured from I-68 at exit 39, MD 53 to US 40 alternate to MD 36 and back to westbound I-68 in Frostburg.

While MDOT 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 and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands. For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, click on Road Ready, MDOT SHA's electronic construction brochure. For a look at real-time commute conditions, log onto www.md511.org.

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