I-495 Worker Death Highlights Highway Safety Risks

Highway worker struck and killed while setting up traffic cones on I-495 inner loop

Highway Worker Killed on I-495 in Maryland Crash

A highway worker died Saturday morning after being struck by a vehicle while setting up traffic cones on Interstate 495 in Maryland, police said. The fatal crash occurred around 11:45 a.m. on the inner loop near exit 4 in Forestville, prompting lane closures and an ongoing investigation. Maryland State Police responded to the two-vehicle collision in the Oxon Hill area.

Worker Struck While Performing Traffic Control Duties

The worker was outside his vehicle setting up traffic control cones when he was struck, according to Maryland State Police. Emergency Medical Services personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. Authorities are withholding the worker's identity until family members have been notified. The incident underscores the significant risks highway workers face while performing routine maintenance and traffic management duties on active roadways, where they're exposed to passing vehicles traveling at highway speeds.

Multiple Agencies Respond to Fatal Collision

Maryland State Police coordinated the emergency response with assistance from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, which sent Emergency Response Personnel to manage lane closures on the inner loop. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the collision. Officials didn't immediately release information about the driver of the striking vehicle or whether charges are being considered. The crash affected traffic flow on the inner loop of I-495 near the Forestville area throughout Saturday afternoon.

Investigation Continues Into Circumstances

The Maryland State Police Crash Team's investigation remains ongoing, officials said. Authorities haven't released a timeline for when findings will be made public or whether the investigation has identified contributing factors to the collision. Officials also haven't said whether the striking vehicle remained at the scene or if impairment is suspected. The crash reconstruction process typically involves examining physical evidence, vehicle data, and witness statements to determine how the collision occurred.

Drivers Urged to Exercise Caution in Work Zones

The fatal incident highlights ongoing safety concerns for highway workers performing duties on active roadways. Drivers traveling through the I-495 corridor should remain alert for work zones and emergency vehicles, particularly during maintenance operations. Moovit provides real-time traffic updates and alternative route suggestions for drivers navigating highway incidents and construction zones throughout the Maryland area.