Overnight Construction Ramp Closure Allows Crew to Replace an Underground Pipe

(May 4, 2016) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) continues improving MD 180 (Ballenger Creek Pike) at Solarex Court in Frederick County.  The initial phase of work began last March as part of $36.9 million corridor improvement between the MD 180 Bridge and Ballenger Creek Drive.

On Saturday, May 7 at 9 p.m., SHA will close the MD 180 ramp to northbound US 15 / US 340 (Catoctin Mountain Highway) through 8 a.m. Sunday, May 8.  The temporary closure will enable crews will replace an underground pipe across the ramp.

In addition, the left turn lane on northbound MD 180 between  Ballenger Center Drive and Solarex Court will be closed to prohibit left turns to the ramp at US 15/US 340 during construction. Drivers should plan for additional travel time.

The MD 180 intersection project will improve traffic operations at Solarex Court by increasing the number of lanes from one to two in each direction for a nearly one-mile section of Ballenger Creek Pike.  The improvements also include construction of additional turn lanes at the intersection. Weather permitting, the project will be open to traffic by the end of the year.

While 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.

Those who have questions about this work may contact the SHA District 7 Office at 301-624-8200 or by email at shadistrict7@sha.state.md.us.  Drivers are reminded to stay alert for work crews and temporary traffic signs for the work zone.