Work to Begin on Bridge Over I-695 Near Pikesville

A major project is starting this week on the Park Heights Avenue bridge over I-695, which will continue until late fall 2015, weather-permitting, according to a statement from the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Single-lane closures will be in effect on the Park Heights Avenue bridge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, the State Highway Administration reported.

The bridge and interchange will remain open to vehicles and pedestrians throughout the project, which will take place in stages, the report said.

More than 16,000 drivers use the Park Heights Avenue bridge over I-695 each day, according to the State Highway Administration, which urged motorists to anticipate work zones and allow for extra time in their commutes.

A temporary traffic signal will be installed to handle left turns from northbound MD Route 129 to the outer loop of I-695, with temporary ramp and temporary lane closures on I-695 underneath the bridge during off-peak travel hours, the report said.

Drivers should stay alert, reduce their speeds and allow extra space between vehicles and workers.

Pedestrians are also advised to pay attention to the new traffic patterns in the work zone. Pedestrian access will be available throughout the project but crews will close one lane in each direction this fall until the project is complete, according to the State Highway Administration.

The $5.6 million project to rehabilitate the bridge involves the following:

• replacing sidewalks and road on bridge
• installing ornamental light poles
• rehabilitating concrete support piers and abutments at bridge ends
• replacing steel beam damaged by over-height trucks
• cleaning and painting structural steel
• reconstructing pavement bridge approaches

Those with questions may contact the State Highway Administration at 410-229-2420, toll-free at 1-866-998-0367 or at shadistrict4@sha.state.md.us.