JFX Construction Set To Begin Monday Night

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Drivers beware. Construction on the JFX is set to start Monday night and several closures could cause delays and backups.

Rochelle Ritchie has more on what you'll need to know to get around.

The construction on the JFX will take place between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The north and southbound lanes of the JFX are getting a much-needed makeover that could affect how you get to and from the city.

"There's two facets for that. One is the joint repair for the bridges that will go on between 9 at night and 5 a.m. for the next 10 months," said a state highway official.

To make room for those repairs, two of the three lanes near Gilford Avenue will be closed to replace the barriers, meaning the north bound ramp at Madison and Fallsway will shut down for 10 weeks.

Drivers say that will create an inevitable mess.

"For this to be as small as it is, this gives you a direct shortcut to 83," said one. "It's going to be real congested."

"I hope they don't keep it closed too long," said another.

This project is just one of many the city is taking on.

Getting to Key Highway and Federal Hill could take longer with two lanes of Pratt and Light streets shutting down for BGE work and the Frederick Bridge will also be closed for replacement---all three projects are starting the same day.

"The good news is they are in very different areas. The people on the JFX aren't affected by the Frederick closure and probably aren't on Light Street," an official said.

While the construction is certainly a nuisance for drivers, some say the work is needed.

"They do need construction in a lot of areas. It's very bumpy, for example, right here," a driver said.

The on-ramp at Madison and Falls will be closed for 10 weeks. Construction on the JFX is expected to take 10 months.

Replacing the Frederick Bridge will take at least a year.