CATONSVILLE, Md. — "We don’t go flying through your office. Please don’t go flying through ours," said William Ortman, a 13-year General Foreman for construction.
He's had several close calls under his belt over the years.
"We're working within three feet of the cones and vehicles often come in and strike cones. They don't tip over, they go flying," said Ortman. "There's often cars running into the barrier wall."
Right now, he's working on the outer loop widening project.
"Everyone is here to work, pay the bills and in a good eight hours. Here lately, it’s been 10 to 12 a day," said Ortman.
The project has been going on for about two years and for the last month or so a couple exits have been closed, like the Edmondson Avenue exit. MDOT/SHA spokesperson Charlie Gischlar said they are hoping to get the exits open by Monday.
In order to do that, they have to make some changes for the weekend. So, on Friday at 9 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m., there will be a single right lane closure. In the middle of the night, workers may close a second lane to get more work done.
Gischlar said, "Apologies in advance. It’s one of those things we have to do to get this thing to work out right," said Gischlar.
Gischlar says MDOT decided to do this switch over the weekend since the traffic volume goes down significantly. During the week, 200,000 people use the section of the road where the construction is.
This project is only one of hundreds on Maryland roads, which means there are thousands of workers throughout the state.
"We're just like a brotherhood out here working together," said Ortman.
A brotherhood who wants to see each one of their brothers get home safely. That's why he's urging drivers to pay attention in work zones and prepare ahead of time.
For more information about the construction throughout the state and to learn more about the road ready app, click here.
