The project includes a full interchange reconstruction at I-95 and MD 152 and the replacement of the existing MD 152 bridge over I-95.
(MDTA photo)
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is working on a full interchange reconstruction at I-95 and MD 152 in Harford County, Md.
The Bid Build Contract is for a $196 million project that is currently on schedule and financed by tolls revenue. The prime contractor is Wagman - Allan Myers Joint Venture.
The construction began in fall 2021 and the projected completion date is fall 2024.
The work to be performed under this contract is located along I-95 (John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway) stretching from 4,000 ft. south of MD 152 (Mountain Road) to 1,100 ft. north of the Winters Run Bridge.
The project includes a full interchange reconstruction at I-95 and MD 152 and the replacement of the existing MD 152 bridge over I-95. Other scope of work in this contract includes the widening of nearby Winders Run Bridge, new Express Toll Lanes (ETL) median ramps, top-down retaining walls, noise walls, SWM facilities, stream relocations and drainage improvements.
This is one contract within the I-95 ETL NB Extension program, which combines safety with environmental enhancements.
In addition to the interchange reconstruction, the roadway will be widened for approximately 2.7 mi. from north of Old Joppa Road to south of MD 24 to allow for the construction of two ETL in the median area.
The future northbound roadway configuration will consist of four general purpose (non-tolled lanes) and two ETL. Work will include reconstruction of MD 152/Mountain Road for approximately 0.8 mi. from MD 7 to Jaycee Drive. ETL access to and from northbound I-95 will be provided at MD 152 via a signalized intersection.
This will connect with the existing ETL from Baltimore City to MD 43 and the ETL (under construction) from MD 43 to south of MD 152. Work also will include the construction of a roundabout at the northbound offramp to provide access to the future Park and Ride at I-95 and MD 152.
Structural work will include the reconstruction of the MD 152 bridge over I-95, the widening of the I-95 mainline bridge over Winters Run, construction of 10 retaining walls and two noise walls. Other improvements will include signage, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), stormwater management and landscaping.
During the first phases of construction, the current roadway was shifted to the median to allow for the construction of the widened roadway to the outside. Once the widening is completed, traffic will be shifted to the outside to allow construction of the ETL.
There are reportedly 110 people working at the site, including 70 from the joint venture, 20 staff members from MDTA and 20 subcontractors.
According to MDTA, some of the challenges faced during the project include working around and protecting an existing 108-in. waterline extending the length of the project, obstructions encountered during boring and foundation operations, as well as working around delicate environmental streams and wetland features.
Nicole Monroe of MDTA reported an interesting takeaway from the project. Lightweight material made of recycled glass was used in areas impacted by the 108-in. waterline to reduce the strain on the pipe caused by the additional embankment to build the project.
The Foamed Glass Aggregate is manufactured by AERO Aggregates in Philadelphia and was shipped to the job site via tractor trailers. In total, the project received 26,000 cu. yds. of this material.
Major subcontractors for the project include Aldridge, for installation of new interchange lighting and ITS devices, including new communication infrastructure for the tolling system; RNG, for overhead and ground mounted sign installation; Paul J. Rauch, for concrete barrier/curbs/ medians; and Midwest Mole, for boring under I-95 for new pipe culverts.
Major equipment used, which all belongs to the contractor, includes three CK1600G Kobelco hydraulic crawler cranes, a Mait HR 130 drill rig, three Cat 335 zero-swing excavators, two Cat 950 wheeled loaders, a John Deere 350 excavator, a Cat D5 dozer and two Cat D6 dozers.
MDTA will be extending the Express Toll Lanes (ETL) along northbound I-95 between MD 43 and north of MD 24, completing more than 10 mi. of improvements.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced the expanded $1.1 billion program on June 15, 2018. These traffic relief initiatives are designed to benefit Marylanders throughout the Baltimore region by giving drivers a safer and more efficient commute.
In addition to the I-95 northbound roadway improvements, the MDTA plans to replace multiple bridges that are more than 50 years old and provide several new noise walls.
The I-95 ETL Northbound Extension Program will be completed in multiple segments.
This is part of the MDTA's $1.1 billion program to relieve congestion and improve travel along the I-95 Corridor into Harford County. CEG
Brenda Ruggiero
Brenda Ruggiero has written for CEG for over 20 years. She lives near the town of Accident in far western Maryland. Her favorite assignments so far involved interviews with Survivor’s Boston Rob and hot dog eating champion Joey Chestnut. Both were involved in construction at one time.
Brenda holds a BA in Mass Communication with a writing focus from Frostburg State University and minors in Public Relations and Political Science. She works full time as a staff writer for a weekly newspaper, the Garrett County Republican. She enjoys feature writing the most, which gives her the opportunity to talk to people and share their stories.
Brenda and her middle school sweetheart, Reuben, have been married for over 34 years and have three grown children and four cats.
Read more from Brenda Ruggiero here.
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