SHA Begins MD 650 Project Over Capital Beltway

[Howard Hartman]

New Hampshire Avenue Bridge Deck
Replacement over I-495 Capital Beltway

Traffic Using Ramp from Northbound MD 650 to
Westbound I-495 to be detoured Beginning Monday, April 23

(April 18, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $1.6 million bridge deck (driving surface) replacement project at the I-495 (Capital Beltway) / MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) interchange in Montgomery County. The single lane ramp bridge connects northbound MD 650 traffic with westbound I-495 traffic. To expedite construction, SHA will close the bridge on Monday, April 23 (weather permitting) after the morning rush hour and it will remain closed through mid-summer. Remaining work, which will require no detour, will be complete late fall 2012.

Motorists should prepare to add at least 15 minutes to normal commute times and are encouraged to use the signed detour directing them onto eastbound
I-495 through the College Park Park and Ride Lot at I-95 and then back onto westbound I-495. As part of the construction, SHA will replace the existing driving surface, clean and paint the steel beams and replace bridge supports. Crews will also pave and resurface both bridge roadway connections.

Additionally, work requiring temporary single, double and triple lane closures and lane shifts on I-495 may occur at night, Sunday through Thursday, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. later this year.

SHA awarded the contract to Anchor Construction of Washington, D.C. and will use variable message signs, barrier walls, construction drums and arrow boards to guide drivers through the work zone.

SHA reminds motorists to reduce speeds, stay alert and use caution while driving through work zones. When workers are on the road, “think orange,” the color of construction signs, barrels and warning devices. Please slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected. Those who have questions about traffic operations on MD 650, or other State numbered routes in Montgomery or Prince George’s counties may call SHA’s District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll free at 1-800-749-0737.

Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.MD511.org for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the Web site. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law restricts hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving. Follow us on Twitter @MDSHA. Project information is available at www.roads.maryland.gov. Visit the “Projects and Studies” section and then the “SHA Projects Page.”

New Hamshire Avenue and I-495 in Hillandale

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