Motorists advised to plan now for ramp closure, detours

By Adiane Foss, APG NewsJune 18, 2012

usa image
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - APG motorists are urged to be especially cautious as the ramp from eastbound U.S. 40 to southbound MD 715 is expected to close as early as next week. The ramp closure outside of the MD 715 gate is part of an $18 million construction project that will widen and improve area roads over the next year.

To help ease the congestion expected when the ramp closes, the installation's Directorate of Public Works (DPW) has prepared the Aberdeen Gate on MD 132 to open for morning inbound traffic. Striping and signage have been installed to help guide motorists, and the gate will open for inbound traffic Monday to Friday from 5:30 to 9 a.m. once the ramp is closed.

During the morning opening, drivers should note that both lanes of Aberdeen Boulevard will have inbound traffic from Aberdeen Gate to Maryland Boulevard.

Aberdeen Gate's regularly schedule opening--3:30 to 5 p.m. on duty days--for outbound traffic will remain in effect.

"The important thing for drivers is to be aware that the ramp will close soon and it will impact driving onto and around the installation," said Charlie Eckert, acting chief of Engineering Services Division, DPW. "Drivers need to watch out for the signs that will be posted by the State Highway Administration (SHA) one week prior to the ramp closure because that signage will help them navigate the construction areas and keep traffic flowing."

"We've been working closely with SHA and the contractor, American Infrastructure, for some time now and have known that these changes would take place," Eckert said. "We have been getting the word out to our community members since February; now it's time for APG motorists to put into action some of the steps that will help minimize delays and congestions."

These steps are as follows:

1. Allow an additional 15-20 minutes travel time, once construction begins.

2. Drive area roads in search of alternate routes and become familiar with APG gate locations and hours. Hours of operation for the Maryland Gate on MD 715 and Harford Gate on MD 22 will not change. Aberdeen Gate will open for inbound traffic as soon as the ramp closure goes into effect. Hours of operation for the Aberdeen Gate on MD 132 will be 5:30-9 a.m. for inbound only, Monday to Friday, for outbound traffic, the hours remain unchanged at 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on duty days. It is closed weekends and holidays, and is not open for visitors or deliveries.

3. Take a bus, train or vanpool and receive a subsidy to help cover commuting costs. Call the Mass Transit Benefit Program Office at 410-436-0230 for details.

4. Carpool (for motorists who are unable to take the bus, train or vanpool). Harford County's Ride Share program links employees with carpoolers in your area. For information, call Alan Doran at 410-638-3389.

5. Find out what your organization's policies are on compressed work schedules, telecommuting and flexible work schedules.

6. Call the Garrison DOL Transportation Office at 410-278-2697 for information on the installation's train shuttle.

Public Meeting Paradise Road Construction

The Maryland State Highway Administration will hold a public meeting regarding the MD 22 and Paradise Road intersection improvements June 27. The meeting will take place at the Aberdeen High School cafeteria from 6-8 p.m. and will provide information on the construction project. Display areas will show the anticipated operational and safety improvements, and SHA representatives will be available to answer questions.

Visit http://www.sha.maryland.gov/pages/calendardetails.aspx?eventid=62 for details.

For the latest updates on area road construction, visit the following websites or call the following numbers:

State Highway Administration: www.roads.maryland.gov

Maryland Traffic Info: www.md511.org

APG Homepage (Breaking News): www.apg.army.mil

SHA Toll Free US 40 Project Information Line: Call 1-855-472-7129

Free Maryland Traffic Information: Call 511

SHA District 4 Toll-Free: Call 1-866-998-0367