Rumble Strips and Warning Signs Installed Today; SHA to Continue Engineering Study Along Southbound US 29          
          
(September 24, 2008) – Today, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) made several safety enhancements along southbound US 29 (Columbia Pike) north of the I-70 interchange and at the northbound US 29 crossover accessing westbound I-70.          
          
SHA replaced the existing yield sign with a stop sign along northbound US 29 at the crossover to access the ramp for westbound I-70. Motorists traveling along northbound US 29 wishing to turn left to access westbound I-70 will be required to stop before proceeding across southbound US 29. SHA also installed crossover warning signs and a set of rumble strips in each lane along southbound US 29 to warn motorists of turning traffic.           
          
“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 traffic engineering staff, SHA has developed these initial safety improvements to address traffic issues at this heavily traveled Howard County interchange. We will continue to work together over the next several months to identify any additional enhancements that will improve public safety and the flow of traffic at this site.”          
          
“I want to thank Secretary Porcari for his leadership in highway safety,” said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. “Following the tragic death of Andrew Noel at this intersection earlier this summer, we heard from many citizens of Howard County of their desire to change this intersection; working in close coordination with SHA, today’s improvements will increase driver awareness and safety.”          
          
Variable message signs are in place along northbound US 29 to alert motorists of the new traffic pattern. SHA will continue to review the crossover while these interim safety enhancements are in place. A long term engineering study is underway and results should be available later this fall.           
          
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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