FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 24, 2015
Contact: Cheryl Sparks or Kelly Melhem
410-537-1017
WORK TO RESULT IN TEMPORARY
OFF-PEAK CLOSURES OF ONE NORTHBOUND TUBE OF
FORT MCHENRY TUNNEL (I-95) THIS WEEK
Closures Needed for Access & Safety of Workers, Equipment Placement
BALTIMORE, MD - The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), which finances, operates and maintains the State's eight toll facilities, will close one northbound tube of the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) to traffic temporarily as crews perform ongoing emergency pump repairs and additional repairs to a fresh water pipe that broke from the extreme freeze/thaw beneath the tunnel roadway. Crews continue to investigate a potential blockage in the pump's discharge line.
"I want to emphasize to our motorists that at no point did we close the tunnel bores for safety concerns related to the tunnel or roadway itself," said MDTA Executive Director Bruce W. Gartner. "The bore closures are needed as a safety measure for our crews working in confined spaces beneath the tunnel roadway and to allow us to stage necessary equipment in the bores. Right now, we do not have an estimate on the length of time for the repairs, but our goal is to keep both northbound bores open to traffic during peak times."
During the temporary off-peak closures, all northbound traffic will be directed through the open tube. When the northbound right tube (Bore 4) is closed, drivers will move left to use the left tube (Bore 3). When Bore 3 is closed, drivers will move right to use Bore 4. Drivers should follow overhead and portable electronic signs and consider I-695 (Key Bridge) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) if destinations are north of Baltimore City.
Closures currently are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. the following morning; and
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. the following morning.
Please note that additional temporary, off-peak closures may occur as necessary. The MDTA will issue traffic advisories if additional closures are scheduled.
To view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov. Know Before You Go! For real-time updates on major incidents follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA. Call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information.
The MDTA thanks motorists for their patience.
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