April 23rd, 2015 by WCBC Radio

Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a 5.5 mile resurfacing project on eastbound I-70 from east of MD 615 (Heavenly Acres Ridge Road) to MD 56 (Big Pool Road) in Washington County.  Weather permitting; all work should be complete spring 2016.

“This past winter took a toll on many Maryland roads including I-70. When this project is complete, motorists will have a safer, smoother ride,” said SHA District Engineer Anthony Crawford.  “April is Work Zone Safety Awareness month, please partner with us, think safety and slow down so everybody goes home.”

SHA will mill (remove the top layer of asphalt), resurface and restripe eastbound I-70, as well as upgrade guardrail in the project area.  Work also includes replacing a pipe crossing and deep patching in two areas.  This section of I-70 was last resurfaced in 1999 and has an average daily traffic volume of 48,000 vehicles.  SHA’s contractor for the $3.4 million resurfacing project is C. William Hetzer, Inc. of Hagerstown.

During construction, motorists should expect intermittent daytime and nighttime single lane and shoulder closures during off-peak hours on eastbound I-70. SHA’s contractor will use barrels and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone.

The spring and summer construction season is getting into high gear. For a statewide listing of most SHA projects, click herefor e-Road Ready 2015.

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.

In four out of five work zone-related crashes, it is the driver or passenger who is injured or killed. In 2014, nine people lost their lives in Maryland work zone crashes, including four highway workers. While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to keep traffic safely moving in work zones, please partner with us because work zone safety is everyone’s business – slow down and stay alert. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone.