​(June 24, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is making a long-term emergency repair on the outer loop of the I-495 (Capital Beltway) Northwest Branch Bridge between MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) and MD 193 (University Boulevard). The need for the repair was discovered after a maintenance inspection this morning following a crash on the bridge.   

MDOT SHA will perform the repairs in two phases. To complete all work for the first temporary repair phase, crews will require intermittent single and multiple lane closures on the outer loop of I-495. Progress permitting, all repairs for this phase should be complete by 5 a.m. Thursday. Crews will place roadway signage that alerts drivers to the steel plates covering the temporary repair location.   

After the July Fourth holiday, crews will return to perform permanent bridge joint repairs. To complete the second phase of work, crews will require daytime and nighttime intermittent single and multiple lane closures weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and overnight, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Progress permitting, all repairs should be complete by mid-July. Drivers should expect delays, add extra commute time and use alternate routes during this repair operation.   

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Editor’s Note

MDOT SHA has a record number of highway construction projects underway across the state to reduce congestion and improve safety.  From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.