New Flashing Warning Beacons to be Added along Southbound US 29; Construction to Begin this Week          
          
(December 16, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin making additional safety enhancements this week along southbound US 29 (Columbia Pike) north of the I-70 interchange and at the northbound US 29 crossover accessing westbound I-70.          
          
SHA will install a new traffic signal along southbound US 29 at the crossover to access the northbound US 29 ramp to westbound I-70. Motorists traveling along northbound US 29 wishing to turn left to access westbound I-70 will be required to stop at the new left-turn signal before proceeding across southbound US 29.           
          
“Improving highway safety is one of Governor Martin O’Malley’s top priorities,” said Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. “Working closely with Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and his staff, SHA took quick action to make additional long-term safety improvements at this intersection. We appreciate the relationship with County Executive Ulman and Howard County and will continue to make highway safety a priority.”          
          
"This is another example of Governor O'Malley's Administration listening to local government concerns and then partnering with us to find solutions," said County Executive Ulman.          
          
In addition to the new signal, SHA will install two roadside flashing yellow beacons along southbound US 29 south of MD 99 in advance of the new signal and install new “Signal Ahead” signs along northbound US 29 adjacent to the left-turn lane. The $114,000 project should be complete in March 2009, weather permitting.           
          
Citizens who have questions about US 29, I-70 or any other State numbered roadway in Howard County may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100. 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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