(September 10, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin work tomorrow on a $6.3 million reconstruction of MD 261 (Bay Avenue) that will reduce flooding to the roadway in the Town of North Beach.   

Preliminary work is underway, with crews improving the roadway between 8th Street in Calvert County and Beach Avenue in Anne Arundel County. The project, which includes a temporary traffic detour starting tomorrow, is expected to be complete by summer 2021.   

“We look forward to the completion of this project, which will improve walkability and access to North Beach,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “We appreciate the patience of the community as the work begins.”   

MD 261 is a two-lane roadway that serves as a gateway to the Town of North Beach. MDOT SHA contractor, Rustler Construction of Upper Marlboro, MD., will be performing the work that is designed to reduce current and future flooding. The project includes: 

• A new, wider bridge elevated approximately two feet higher than the current roadway   
• Replacement of culverts and inlets   
• New sidewalks between 8th and 9th streets that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

Crews are establishing ADA-compliant makings at designated locations, installing temporary signs and conducting utility relocations along MD 261 north of 8th Street. Tomorrow, crews will close MD 261 north of 9th Street so they can construct the bridge abutments and wing walls. The detour will last about 20 weeks and will direct motorists to MD 261 (Bay Avenue/Walnut Avenue/Friendship Road), MD 2 (Solomons Island Road) and MD 260 (Chesapeake Beach Road). Additional project details are available HERE.      

MDOT SHA coordinated with local emergency responders of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and the North Beach Fire Department to ensure available response for area residents. Emergency response will be stationed at a designated location to be available to respond.   

Customers who have questions about the MD 261 Roadway Reconstruction Project may contact the MDOT SHA District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603. 

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Editor’s Note

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.