FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 26, 2015
Contact: Cheryl Sparks or Kelly Melhem
410-537-1017
CREWS MAKING PROGESS IN REPAIR OF SUMP PUMP &
WATER LINE BELOW NORTHBOUND TUBES OF
FORT MCHENRY TUNNEL (I-95)
Bore Closures Now Scheduled Only for Overnight Hours through Weekend
BALTIMORE, MD - The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), which finances, operates and maintains the State's eight toll facilities, continues temporary closures of one northbound tube of the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) during off-peak overnight hours for emergency repairs to an underground sump pump and discharge line beneath the right tube (Bore 4) and water line beneath the left tube (Bore 3). Both issues were caused by the recent extremely cold temperatures, and neither impacts the structural integrity of the roadway or tunnel.
"Our crews confirmed yesterday that the discharge line was frozen and blocked by solid ice in multiple locations. Using steam, they broke through the ice, allowing the pump to start pushing water through the discharge line," said MDTA Executive Director
Bruce W. Gartner. "Over the next few nights, we're taking advantage of planned bore closures for maintenance so crews can monitor pump and discharge-line activity and continue repairing the broken water line. Crews also are inspecting the water lines beneath the tunnel's southbound bores to rule out any potential issues."
During the overnight closures, traffic will be directed through the northbound tube that remains open. Traffic volumes are low during the overnight period; however, delays still may occur. Motorists should follow overhead and portable electronic signs.
Closures currently are scheduled for:
- Thursday, Feb. 26, from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. the following morning;
- Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27 and 28, from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. the following morning; and
- Sunday, March 1, from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. the following morning.
The bore closures are needed as a safety measure for crews working in confined spaces beneath the tunnel roadway and to allow for the staging of necessary equipment in the bores.
Please note that additional temporary, off-peak closures may occur as necessary. The MDTA will issue traffic advisories if additional closures are scheduled.
The MDTA thanks motorists for their patience. To view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov. For real-time updates on major incidents follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA.
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