Roadwork to begin on Jones Falls Expressway, other Maryland highways
April showers bring May flowers, and road construction projects.
The State Highway Administration says road crews will be filling potholes and resurfacing the pavement on the Jones Falls Expressway between the Baltimore County border to Old Pimlico Road, in both directions.
The more than $350,000 project will happen overnight, starting as early as 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, and running through 5 a.m. on Monday. Drivers can expect double and single lane road closures going both directions, Sundays through Thursdays, until early June.
More roadwork projects
Drivers, especially motorcyclists, should be aware of uneven pavement while this project continues.
This is one of many spring road projects starting in mid-May.
Other resurfacing and soil sampling is happening on I-795. Crews will also fill potholes on Reisterstown Road overnight.
Work on the I-695 median will also continue, according to the state's road work project portal.
"It's needed, but it's a headache"
The state says there are nearly 300 roadwork projects happening daily.
"It's needed, but it's a headache, but it's just something we all have to get through," said Nita, a Lochearn resident. "It's growing pains for Baltimore."
Pothole filling has been top of mind for some, who wait all winter and spring for the roads to be resurfaced.
Michael Balsamo, from Pikesville, said he often tows large equipment with his truck. He says when Reisterstown Road was repaved last year, it made his drives easier.
"Hey, it has to get done," Balsamo said. "This road [Reisterstown] was horrible a little while ago. Now, at least I can drive it without having my teeth fall out."
Others say they think the projects will benefit road safety.
"I understand where it has to be done. They're old, they get potholes, and they become a hazard to drivers," Harry Brafmann of Pikesville explained.
Some drivers say the roadwork will be better for their cars in the long run, hoping to decrease the major wear and tear.
"You have to constantly get your wheel in line, constantly fill your tires up with air. I need new tires," Nita said. "The tearing up of the roads, it feels like sometimes it's useful, and then other times you feel like they're just doing work to make it look like they're working."
Crackdown on work zone safety
The state has cracked down on work zone safety for roadworkers, adding new speed enforcement cameras to work sites. Earlier this month, the state said more will be rolling out soon.
"If you do not want a citation, and more importantly, if you want to protect yourself and your passengers and our highway workers, do not speed," State Highway Administrator Will Pines said.
Drivers equate work zones to a video game, trying to be safe despite others speeding by.
"It's the real-life Frogger," Nita said. "You just have to get out of the way. Set yourself on a patient and just let them go around."
