Published: July 02, 2009 10:21 pm      

I-68, U.S. 219 resurfacing projects will slow traffic

ACCIDENT — The Maryland State Highway Administration is resurfacing portions of Interstate 68 and U.S. Route 219.

SHA will improve more than three miles of I-68 between the Evitts Creek bridge and the Rocky Gap Road bridge in a $3.3 million project expected to be completed this fall, weather permitting. P&W Excavating Inc. of McConnellsburg, Pa., will make safety enhancements along I-68, including the installation of new rumble strips. New pavement markings will be installed and crews will place new recessed reflective markers along the center lines of the road.

Lane closures should be expected along eastbound and westbound I-68 weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Variable message signs, barrels, temporary signs and arrow boards will guide motorists through the work zone. Approximately 27,000 vehicles travel along this section of I-68 each day. Motorists should expect delays.

Keystone Lime Inc., of Springs, Pa., will begin resurfacing approximately 1 1/2 miles along U.S. Route 219 between the town of Accident and the bridge over Bear Creek on Tuesday in a $1.1 million project to be completed this fall, weather permitting.

New center-line rumble strips and pavement markings will be installed to alert motorists they are traveling too close to the center of the roadway, resulting in enhanced driver awareness.

During construction, motorists should expect single-lane closures weekdays between 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Variable message signs, flagmen, barrels, arrow boards and temporary signs will guide motorists through the work zone. Motorists should expect delays. Approximately 4,400 vehicles travel along this section of U.S. 219 each day.

Both projects are funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Questions about traffic operations may be directed to SHA’s District 6 Office at (301) 729-8400 or (800) 760-7138.