Roadway in Loch Raven Reservoir is now open to traffic after being washed out by heavy rainfall

Baltimore, MD (February 08, 2019) – Today, Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., and Department of Transportation Director Michelle Pourciau announced that Loch Raven Drive between Providence Road and Morgan Mill Road in Baltimore County has been reopened to motorists. 

On January 03, 2019, a portion of the roadway along Loch Raven Drive was severely damaged and collapsed due to heavy rainfall that had occurred over the past several months.  Erosion caused by the storms threatened the stability of the roadway which had to be closed to through traffic until repairs were completed. 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) worked together to detour traffic and secure a contractor to complete the repairs.  In a joint effort, DPW and DOT utilized a contractor that was already working in the Loch Raven Reservoir on roadway and drainage culvert improvements.  The contractor quickly mobilized to stabilize the area, and repairs were expedited ahead of schedule at a significant cost savings to the city.

“In collaboration with the Department of Transportation, we were able to complete repairs in a timely manner while protecting our water resources in the Loch Raven Reservoir,” said Director Chow.  “This work is a great example of city agencies working together on infrastructure improvements that span far beyond the City of Baltimore.”

The closure of Loch Raven Drive was challenging for many residents and commuters in Baltimore County and beyond, as it is often used as a main thoroughfare through the Loch Raven Reservoir.  Although the reservoir is located in Baltimore County, it is owned and maintained by the City of Baltimore. 

“Our partnership with the Department of Public Works allowed us to utilize the most expeditious contracting procedures possible in order to get the roadway repairs underway,” said Director Pourciau.  “We understand that the closure of Loch Raven Drive was a big inconvenience for the traveling public and we wanted to complete repairs as quickly as possible.”

Repairs to stabilize the roadway were completed at a cost of about $65,000 and this portion of Loch Raven Drive is now open to motorists. 

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