Work to Begin on Wilkens Avenue Bridge

As if traffic on major roads weren't snarled enough in southwest Baltimore County, work is slated to begin in August to replace the inner loop I-695 bridge over Wilkens Avenue.

The State Highway Administration is holding an open house Wednesday evening to introduce the construction project to residents and explain how it will affect traffic patterns.

The outer loop bridge over I-695 was replaced in 2004, along with changes in the exit ramp to Wilkens Avenue. The inner loop bridge is 55 years old -- first built in 1956 and widened in 1963, according to SHA.

The existing inner loop bridge over Wilkens Avenue will be demolished and replaced in three stages. All four lanes on the I-695 inner loop and two through lanes on Wilkens Avenue will remain open during peak week day travel hours, according to SHA.

The ramps from the inner loop to Wilkens Avenue will be closed and detoured at various times during construction. SHA will install a temporary traffic signal at Wilkens and Kenwood Avenues to manage traffic during the alternating ramp closures.

The open house is being held at Halethorpe Elementary School cafeteria, 4300 Maple Avenue, from 5:30-7 p.m.