As part of this project, westbound MD 68 will be closed and detoured during phase one of construction. Motorists travelling on westbound Lappans Road will be guided to MD 632 (Downsville Pike) to westbound I-70 to southbound I-81 and back to westbound Lappans Road. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra commuting time during this closure, which will be in effect until fall.

While the bridge, originally constructed in 1965, is structurally sound; the bridge deck (driving surface) is nearing the end of its useful service life and will be replaced. In addition to replacing the bridge deck, crews will also rehabilitate the bridge piers and apply a concrete protective coating.

MDOT SHA’s contractor, Triton Construction, Inc. of St. Albans, West Virginia, will use barrels, concrete barrier and detour signs to guide motorists through the work zone. Nearly 11,600 vehicles use this section of Lappans Road each day, so motorists are encouraged to allow extra commuting time.

 

 

(MDOT SHA photo: MD 68 (Lappans Road) Bridge over Winchester Western Railway.)

This bridge rehabilitation is located just east of the large $105.6 million project that will widen 3.6 miles of I-81 between US 11 in West Virginia to MD 63/MD 68 and rehabilitate the dual bridges over the Potomac River. The project started fall 2016; it is more than 70-percent complete and on schedule for summer 2020 completion.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our contractor. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on the road and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.

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 https://chart.maryland.gov/​​.

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