The 20-by-30-foot sinkhole opened June 15 in the far-right lane of southbound I-270 just north of the Interstate 370 interchange. Marylandofficials said it formed when a corrugated metal drainage pipe burst beneath the road.
Repairing the hole has required crews to cut out thick brush on the highway’s shoulder to make a suitable work site. State transportation officials said it took time to find the damaged pipe because several pipes are located in the area. Two lanes were shut down on the highway, creating lengthy traffic backups in a section of highway that averages about 190,000 vehicles daily. The highway administration has been working with jurisdictions to inform motorists about emergency roadwork and suggest alternative routes.Montgomery County transportation officials adjusted the traffic signal timing at Frederick Road, which is Maryland State Road 355 and runs parallel to I-270, to accommodate more cars.
“With schools out and our partners at Montgomery County Department of Transportation adjusting the signal timing on MD-355, this has helped reduce construction-related congestion,” said highway administration spokesman Charlie Gischlar.State highway officials have activated overhead messages to alert drivers about lane closures in Frederick County and elsewhere to give them time to consider an alternative route before they reach the traffic slowdown, Gischlar said.
This 25 foot wide sinkhole that opened up today in the Southbound lanes of I-270 just before 370 is expected to keep at least two lanes of traffic shutdown for a week! Expect heavy delays on your morning commute from anywhere north of Gaithersburg.
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