State Highway Administration to Activate New Traffic Signal Tomorrow at US 29/I-70 Crossover in Howard County          
          
(February 19, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman are announcing the activation of a key safety project at the US 29/I-70 crossover in Columbia, Howard County. The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will activate a new traffic signal at the northbound US 29 (Columbia Pike) crossover access to westbound I-70 in Howard County on Friday, February 20, weather permitting. Motorists traveling along northbound US 29 wishing to turn left to access the westbound I-70 ramp will be required to stop at the new left-turn signal before crossing southbound US 29.           
          
SHA is currently operating the signal on “flash mode” to familiarize motorists with the new signal. The signal will switch to full color operation on Friday, February 20. Variable message signs will be positioned along both approaches to the crossover to alert motorists of the new traffic signal.           
          
“Safety is a top priority for Maryland,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Thanks to great partnership with Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and his staff, we are announcing a key safety project that will make this busy highway safer for the thousands of Marylanders that use it everyday.”          
          
The new traffic signal is part of several recent improvements at the US 29/I-70 crossover. In December, SHA activated two roadside flashing yellow beacons along southbound US 29, south of MD 99, in advance of the new signal. SHA also installed “Signal Ahead” signs along northbound US 29 adjacent to the left-turn lane. The overall $114,000 safety improvement project began in December 2008.          
          
“While I appreciate that SHA moved quickly on analyzing and addressing this situation, the real thanks go to Valerie Noel, who lost her son Andrew at this intersection in July. Valerie led the drive to get 6,000 citizens to sign a petition, which has helped make our County safer,” said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman.          
          
SHA encourages motorists to stay alert for the new signal at the US 29/I-70 crossover. People with questions about traffic operations along US 29, I-70 or other State numbered routes in Howard County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office toll free at 1-800-635-5119. SHA encourages all motorists to Choose Safety for Life and “Think Orange” while driving through work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times. More information about the Choose Safety For Life Campaign can be found at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
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