Drivers traveling on northbound Interstate 97 should prepare for overnight lane closures this week as crews complete repairs to pavement that was damaged during the early July heat wave.
The pavement buckled on July 3, causing significant backups in the northbound lanes of the Interstate between Benfield Boulevard and New Cut Road. Emergency work was completed overnight, which allowed the highway to reopen by the following morning for the holiday weekend.
Pavement buckling occurs when continuous extreme heat causes concrete slabs to expand. If there isn’t anywhere for the concrete to go, pressure builds until the pavement lifts or cracks, creating extremely hazardous driving conditions.
The Maryland State Highway Administration has planned 3 consecutive overnight closures for permanent repairs.
Beginning Sunday night and continuing through Monday, two northbound lanes near Exit 12 will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
On Tuesday night, all northbound lanes will be closed between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Motorists will be detoured at Exit 10 before rejoining I-97.
The State Highway Administration encourages drivers to plan ahead and use caution in the work zone.
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