It’s part of the National Work Zone Awareness Week.
Baltimore, Md (KM) For commuters who travel to the Baltimore area to their jobs, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration says the westbound Interstate 70 bridge over the Baltimore Beltway (i-695) will be closed on Tuesday from 5:45 AM until 5:00 PM. . Access to and from I-695 and the Security Boulevard park and ride lot will remain open.
Drivers who want to travel on westbound I-70 and ride to points west, MDOT SHA says a detour will be set up. It will guide motorists to the outer loop of I-695 to westbound US 40, or the Baltimore National Pike, to northbound on US 29, or Columbia Pike, and then back on to I-70.
Maryland has been chosen as a host state for National Work Zone Awareness Week, and this closure will accommodate an event highlighting the importance of work zone safety, and honoring highways workers who have died during work zone crashes, including those who were killed on the Baltimore Beltway during an incident in March, 2023. Two of the deceased were from Frederick; two others were from Union Bridge.
MDOT SHA says its industry partners from across the region will take part in a Work Zone Safety Unity Ride beginning at 12-noon from a lot off of BWI International Thurgood Marshall Airport off of Md. 176 (Dorsey Road) near WB&A Road. The procession will head east on MD 176 to northbound I-97, and then on to o the inner loop of I-695 to northbound I-83 (Baltimore Harrisburg Expressway). Participants in the ride will travel north on I-83 to southbound MD 45 (York Road) and end up at the Maryland State Fairgrounds . About 350 vehicles are expected to take part, according to MDOT SHA. The ride is expected to last one hour.
State officials say they appreciate the public’s patients. They urge all drivers to slow down, stay alert and move over in work zones where possible.
By Kevin McManus