What You Need to Know About the Wilkens Avenue Bridge Construction

Good things happen in threes? As if the construction of the Frederick Avenue bridge over the Beltway, the Route 40 bridge through Patapsco State Park and various work areas around the Beltway weren't enough, get ready for another traffic headache: The Wilkens Avenue bridge.

Work is about to begin on the reconstruction of the Beltway's inner loop bridge over Wilkens.

The project is expected to take about two years, according to state highway officials.

During construction, all four lanes of the Beltway and access to Wilkens Avenue will be maintained during peak travel times.

However, traffic patterns will change during construction:

• A temporary traffic signal will be installed at Kenwood and Wilkens to facilitate exiting from the Beltway and reducing congestion.

• During stage one of construction, the ramp from the inner loop to eastbound Wilkens Avenue will be closed for about three months. Drivers headed inbound on Wilkens will be directed to the exit for westbound vehicles, then make a left turn onto Wilkens from Kenwood.

• During the second and third stages of construction, the westbound ramp from the Beltway will be closed for about 18 months. Drivers headed outside of the Beltway will make a left turn at Wilkens Avenue.

Aside from a new inner loop bridge, when construction is completed you'll see new lighting under the bridge and a new bicycle lane, according to state highway officials.