by Geoff Fox

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration continues work on the US 522 bridge replacement project over eastbound Interstate 70.

From Wednesday, August 14, through Thursday, August 15, workers will remove debris protection under the bridge deck on southbound US 522.

If the weather is good, the work should be completed by 5 a.m. Friday morning.

Due to the work, a closure was originally planned for Monday and Tuesday, but the highway authorities announced that the weather conditions had changed to those days.

According to MODT-SHA, motorists should expect a temporary closure and detour of eastbound I-70 at the US 522 bridge, as well as the ramps to southbound US 522 and westbound I-70, every evening between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Two diversions will be set up.

The first is for I-70 eastbound, where motorists are directed to I-68 westbound to the Woodmont Road exit and back to I-68 eastbound. Motorists are then directed to US 522 southbound to MD 144 and back to I-70 eastbound.

When detouring from the westbound I-70 ramp to southbound US 522, drivers will be directed to westbound I-68 to the Woodmont Road exit and back to eastbound I-68 to southbound US 522. Traffic on westbound I-70 to southbound US 522 may also take Exit 3 to MD 144 (Main Street) through Hancock.

State Highway Administration contractor Triton Construction, INC. of St. Albans, West Virginia, will use electronic displays, buoys and cones to safely guide motorists through the construction site. Emergency crews will also be assisted by the Maryland State Police.

For the safety of all drivers and road improvement crews, drivers are asked to slow down in the construction area.