(June 11, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and The Cordish Companies today announced the opening of Maryland’s first diverging diamond interchange at MD 295 and Arundel Mills Boulevard in Anne Arundel County.   As of noon today, drivers can use all connections to and from MD 295 and Arundel Mills Boulevard, providing a crucial link to the Maryland Live! Casino and Arundel Mills Mall.

“As you travel through the area on the new ramp connections, please use extra caution and stay alert because the new diverging diamond is very different from most interchanges, with traffic driving on the left side of the road and then crossing at a signal,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “We appreciate travelers’ patience during construction and encourage people to check the website at http://www.roads.maryland.gov/pages/ddi.aspx?PageId=397 to see how it works.”

The Maryland Live! Casino opened last Wednesday evening, June 6, at 10 p.m. with tens of thousands of motorists using either MD 100 or northbound MD 295 to access the area.  The new interchange will alleviate congestion on area roads, particularly since the MD 295 southbound connections, which temporarily closed in May, are now open. 

“The Cordish Companies and SHA are confident the DDI will function safely and efficiently, allowing motorists easier access to the Arundel Mills shopping district and our exciting new Maryland Live! Casino,” said Joe Weinberg, Managing Partner, The Cordish Companies.

In coordination with Anne Arundel County Police and Arundel Mills Mall, SHA Emergency Traffic Patrols continue to monitor MD 295 and MD 100 to respond quickly to traffic incidents and to assist drivers with vehicle breakdowns.  Additionally, SHA is using four portable message signs along MD 100 and MD 295 to communicate traffic information to drivers.

While motorists are driving in the final interchange configuration today, additional work on the MD 295 interchange will continue through the summer.  Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information!  Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.MD511.org  for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the web site. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law restricts hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.  Follow us on Twitter @MDSHA and @MarylandLIVE.

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