Construction to fix flaws in the recently completed InterCounty Connector could cause traffic slowdowns starting next week, Maryland officials warned on Friday.
In October, inspectors found premature cracks on bridges along the new $2.6 billion highway that now runs from Interstate 370 in Montgomery County’s Shady Grove to Interstate 95 in Prince George’s County. The first portion of the road opened a year ago after decades of planning and controversy.
The affected overpasses are at Md. 97/Georgia Avenue, Emory Lane, Muncaster Mill Road and Needwood Road, officials said.
A review found that the four bridges were not designed with enough steel to handle the wear of traffic longterm, according to the State Highway Administration. State officials have said there are no imminent safety concerns, and the contractors will be paying for the work, not the state.
Initially, crews wrapped the bridge piers with steel cable. But they now need to install steel rods so the bridges can last an anticipated 50 to 75 years.
Officials said they are still evaluating several other bridges along the ICC from Md. 97 to I-95 to determine if they too need shoring up, too.
Crews will be closing down the shoulder lanes as they work.
