(July 31, 2015) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a major resurfacing project to repair and resurface a southbound portion of I-83 (Baltimore-Harrisburg Expressway) between MD 137 (Mt. Carmel Road) and Shawan Road in northern Baltimore County.  Weather permitting; the $6.3 million project will be complete summer 2016.

“I-83 carries tens of thousands of commercial trucks and commuters between northern Baltimore County and southern Pennsylvania each day.  SHA must keep this important north-south route well-maintained and safe for all travelers,” said SHA District Engineer David Peake. “The road work on southbound I-83 will be done at night to reduce traffic impacts. Overnight travelers should plan ahead for night-time lane closures and interchange ramp detours during the next year.”

SHA will patch, grind (remove top layer) and resurface nearly seven miles of southbound I-83. Other work includes:

• Repair and resurfacing interchange ramps at Exit 27, Mt. Carmel Road; Exit 24, Belfast Road; and Exit 20, Shawan Road, to include removal of old concrete on ramps;

• Upgrading storm water management inlets and pipes; maintenance of drainage ditches;

• Upgrading traffic barriers where needed;

• Curb and gutter and median reconstruction where needed;

• Installing new pavement markings on resurfaced pavements.

During construction, motorists should expect temporary overnight lane closures along southbound I-83 and there will be temporary overnight ramp closures and detours. Portable message signs will advise motorists several days in advance of ramp closures and detours. 

Approximately 60,000 vehicles per day travel the section of I-83 between Exits 27 and 20 (northbound and southbound). Drivers may consider using MD 45 (York Road) as an alternate route during construction-related lane and ramp closures.

SHA’s contractor for the project is C.J. Miller of Hampstead.

In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones. Always expect the unexpected, pay extra close attention and drive slowly through any work zone. Whether it’s a tree trimming operation or a bridge project, be aware when orange is there: Think Orange (the color of construction equipment and signs), stay alert and slow down. Everyone is at risk. 

Road crews are well into mid-summer construction. Click here for a mid-summer update on major SHA construction projects throughout Maryland. For the latest real-time travel information, log onto www.md511.org.

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