​Expect Nighttime Closure and Detour on I-70 through Thursday Morning 

(July 22, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will detour traffic on I-70 at US 522 in Hancock on Wednesday night, July 24. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Thursday, July 25, weather permitting.  

The closure is necessary as crews prepare for the demolition phase of the bridge project. Starting at 11 p.m. Wednesday, both directions of I-70 at US 522 will be detoured.  

• ​Detour route for I-70 eastbound: Motorists will be guided to westbound I-68 to the Woodmont Road exit to eastbound I-68 to southbound US-522 to MD-144 and back onto eastbound I-70. 
• Detour route for I-70 westbound off ramp to US-522 southbound: Motorists will be directed to westbound I-68 to the Woodmont Road exit to eastbound I-68 to southbound US-522 and back to westbound I-70. 

The work is part of MDOT SHA’s replacement project of the US 522 bridge over I-70. The entire project is expected to be complete by fall 2025, weather permitting. Learn more about the project here​.  

The State Highway Administration’s contractor, Triton Construction, Inc. of St. Albans, West Virginia, will use barrels, arrow boards and detour signs to guide drivers through the work zone.  

The State Highway Administration appreciates customers’ patience during construction as we work to improve Maryland’s transportation system. Drivers are asked to stay alert, stay focused and be aware of reduced speed limits and changing driving patterns in the work zone. Slow down and move over in work zones. It’s the law.