by Geoff Fox
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is continuing work on the bridge replacement project of the U.S. 522 bridge over eastbound Interstate 70.
Starting Wednesday, August 14, through Thursday, August 15, crews will be removing the debris shield from under the southbound U.S. 522 bridge deck.
Weather permitting, the work should be complete by 5 a.m. Friday morning.
Work was originally supposed to create a closure on Monday and Tuesday, but highway officials said weather had shifted those days.
The MODT-SHA said drivers can expect temporary closure and detour of eastbound I-70 at the US 522 bridge, as well as southbound US 522 and westbound I-70 ramps each evening from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
There are two detours being set up.
The first is for eastbound I-70 where motorists will be guided to westbound I-68 to the Woodmont Road exit and back to eastbound I-68. Motorists will then be guided to southbound U.S. 522 to MD 144 and back onto eastbound I-70.
The detour for the westbound I-70 ramp to southbound U.S. 522 has drivers being guided to westbound I-68 to the Woodmont Road exit and back to eastbound I-68 to southbound U.S. 522. Westbound traffic on I-70 heading to southbound U.S. 522 can also take Exit 3 to MD 144 (Main Street) through Hancock.
The State Highway Administration’s contractor, Triton Construction, INC. of St. Albans, W.Va., will use electronic message boards, barrels, and cones to guide motorists safely through the work zone. Crews will also use assistance from Maryland State Police.
Drivers are asked to slow down in the work zone for the safety of all drivers and the crews working to improve the roadways.
