On-ramp from Monocacy Blvd./South Street, to westbound I-70 closing Monday.
Two major traffic changes begin next week at interchanges on I-70 in Frederick as the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) continues work to widen I-70 in the area of South Street.
On Monday night, August 13, crews will close the on-ramp from Monocacy Boulevard/South Street to westbound I-70. The closure will continue through fall. "Drivers wishing to access westbound I-70 from Monocacy Boulevard, or South Street, will be directed east on the newly constructed section of Monocacy Boulevard, to a left onto East Street, and take the ramp onto westbound I-70," said SHA spokeswoman Heather Keels.
In addition, on Tuesday, August 14, crews will close the acceleration lane from MD 85/East Street to eastbound I-70 for reconstruction, creating a "no merge area" condition for traffic entering I-70. The new merge condition will also continue through the fall. During the closure, motorists must obey yield signs, coming to a stop at the end of the ramp if necessary to wait for a break in traffic. "Travelers on I-70 should stay alert and use caution in this area," continued Keels.
The ramp and acceleration lane closures are part of SHA’s project to widen I-70 from east of MD 144 to west of South Street and replace the I-70 bridges over South Street. The ramps and acceleration lane will reopen in the fall when crews shift traffic onto the new bridges and newly constructed outer lanes.
The ramp from westbound I-70 to South Street (exit 55) via Monocacy Boulevard has been closed since earlier this summer and is scheduled to reopen later this month. Motorists should continue using exit 56 to MD 144 (East Patrick Street). The eastbound on and off ramps at South Street will also close later this summer.
SHA’s contractor for the project is Corman Construction of Annapolis Junction, Md. Anyone with questions about the I-70 project may call the project’s 24-hour hotline at 855-213-0070.
