Expect Weekend Traffic in Bowie, SHA Says

Local residents should expect some traffic delays this weekend as the Maryland State Highway Administration resurfaces the Rt. 50/ Rt. 301 interchange ramp in Bowie.

Starting at 9 p.m. Friday, SHA will close the ramp on southbound Rt. 3/Rt. 301 to eastbound Rt. 50, according to a press release. The ramp will be reopened to traffic no later than 5 a.m. on Monday “to assure that all travel lanes are safe” and that the concrete overlay has had sufficient time to dry.

Drivers on southbound Rt. 3/ Rt. 301 should follow detour signs, which direct traffic past the Rt. 301/Rt. 50 interchange and on to Collington Road, which allows for access to eastbound Rt. 50.

The $1.8 million involves applying “whitetopping,” a bonded concrete overlay, to the ramp.

“Whitetopping is a sustainable resurfacing solution that improves skid resistance and creates a smoother ride for drivers,” said SHA District Engineer Brian Young in a statement. “Whitetopping typically lasts longer than traditional resurfacing methods, reduces rutting caused by larger vehicles that travel  on the road surface and produces savings through less frequent road repairs, fewer lane closures and fewer construction zones because of its durability.”

This weekend marks the second weekend of work on the interchange. All work is expected to be completed by Monday, weather permitting.