October 3rd, 2022 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin a $400,000 project tomorrow, Tuesday, October 4, to resurface more than three miles of eastbound I-68 (National Freeway) between one-half mile west of MD 658 (Vocke Road) and US 220 South (McMullen Highway) in LaVale. Weather permitting, the project should be complete by the beginning of November. 

As part of the project, crews will resurface the on-ramp from eastbound I-68 to MD 658. This will necessitate the temporary closure of the ramp, with a detour, during work hours from October 4 to October 11. Motorists will be directed to use MD 53 (Winchester Road) during the ramp resurfacing.  

The main resurfacing project entails removing the top layer of asphalt on the left lane on eastbound I-68 west of Vocke Road to US 220 South in Cumberland. Crews will also resurface the right lane on eastbound I-68 between one-half mile west of MD 658 to the MD 658 on-ramp. Crews will work overnight, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday nights through Friday mornings.  

Interstate 68 between LaVale and Cumberland (Haystack Mountain) has extremely steep grades and curves, making travel difficult during inclement weather for commercial vehicles. MDOT SHA is using a specific asphalt mix that produces higher pavement friction and anti-rutting properties to help truckers better negotiate the grades and curves during inclement weather.  

MDOT SHA contractor Belt Paving, of Cumberland, will use message boards, signage, and barrels to guide motorists through the work zone.  

The Move Over Law in Maryland requires motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares or other caution signals. The expanded law is in place to protect emergency responders and motorists who encounter a roadside emergency.  

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. Please drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones. Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile device for assistance. 

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