Motorists Should Expect Delays as Temporary Detours will be in Effect; SHA to Re-stripe Lanes to Improve Traffic Flow          
          
(October 2, 2008) – Beginning Friday, October 3 at 9 p.m., the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will temporarily close the northbound and southbound I-97 ramps to eastbound MD 100 and the through lanes along EB MD 100 just past the I-97 ramps in Glen Burnie. Weather permitting; all lanes will be open by 12 noon on Saturday, October 4.          
          
Traffic will be detoured as follows:           
          
• The ramp from northbound I-97 to eastbound MD 100 will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to the I-97/MD 176 (Dorsey Road) interchange;          
• The ramp from southbound I-97 to eastbound MD 100 will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to the I-97/MD 174 (Quarterfield Road) interchange; and          
• Eastbound MD 100 will be closed past the ramps to I-97. Motorists will be directed to the north and southbound I-97 ramps to use the interchanges to the north and south.          
          
When complete, traffic will flow more efficiently as eastbound MD 100 and the I-97 ramp traffic to eastbound MD 100 will merge at different points. Currently, all three movements merge simultaneously, when can cause unsafe weaving and delays, particularly during rush hours.           
          
SHA will use detour signs, variable message sign and cones and barrels to guide motorists through the work zone. SHA traffic engineers will monitor traffic for one week before proceeding with the final paving phase scheduled the week of October 6.          
          
SHA’s contractor for this project is Reliable Contracting, Inc. of Gambrills. Citizens who have questions about this project or other projects or traffic operations along State-numbered highways in Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s or Anne Arundel Counties may call SHA’s District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603.          
          
SHA thanks motorists for their patience and cooperation and encourages drivers to “think orange” when in a construction zone. On any day, there could be more than 350 work zones in Maryland. Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. When workers are on the road, THINK ORANGE: slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.