SHA Warns of Weekend Lane Closures on I-97

The Maryland State Highway Administration is warning of potential major delays on Interstate 97 during weekends through November, as crews repair concrete along a northern stretch of the highway. 

The SHA is urging drivers to avoid I-97 and consider I-95, Maryland Route 10 or the Baltimore Washington Parkway for north-south travel.

The work area will stretch from the Baltimore Beltway to just south of Benfield Boulevard in the Millersville area, and will impact both north and south lanes of I-97.

The SHA described the concrete patching as routine, but challenging due to the level of traffic that I-97 carries. SHA engineer Lee Starkloff said in a press release that the agency tries to avoid work during area events like festivals and boat shows, but that the concrete requires 24 hours to cure.

“While we do everything possible to work around the major events, there will be delays,” he said. “We appreciate motorists’ patience as we complete the work to provide a smoother ride.”

Here’s what drivers can expect over the next couple of weekends. In all cases,lane closures will begin at 10 p.m. Friday.

• Sept. 28-30 - The two left southbound lanes and left shoulder will be closed. Work will take place in the southbound left and center lanes from Quarterfield Road (Maryland Route 174) to just south of Benfield Boulevard.
• Oct. 5-7 – The two right southbound lanes will be closed. Work will take place in the right southbound lanes, from Dorsey Road (Maryland Route 176) to just south of Benfield Boulevard.

The SHA said that while the major work will take place on weekends, longer lane closures may still be necessary if weather or other issues prevent the concrete from curing quickly. Work crews also plant saw cut the concrete on weeknights between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., SHA.

SHA will keep motorists apprised of lane closures through overhead signage and its md511.org website.