(December 17, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is beginning work on a project to enhance safety and operations at the busy intersection of MD 147 (Harford Road) and Joppa Road in Baltimore County. The $11.1 million project will benefit motorists, transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrians by providing a safer intersection for all users.

“This project is part of our ongoing commitment to improving traffic safety at intersections," said MDOT Administrator Tim Smith. “This intersection is an important commercial crossroads for Carney and Parkville residents. We continue to work with the community to make travel better for all users, including drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists."

MDOT SHA's contractor for the project, Rustler Construction Inc. of Upper Marlboro, will widen and reconstruct the intersection. Features of the project include:

• Adding a third through lane along southbound Harford Road and along westbound Joppa Road for approximately 700 feet in each direction;
• Upgrading ramps, sidewalks and driveways within the project limits;
• Adding “Share the Road" signs and providing minimum shoulder widths along MD 147 in both directions for bicyclists; and
• Upgrading traffic signal systems.

In addition, Baltimore County is contributing about $1.2 million for replacement of a county water line under the intersection.

“This is a project that demonstrates how we can improve traffic flow, safety and access for all users of the roadway through thoughtful planning and partnerships between the community, the county and the state," said MDOT Secretary Greg Slater. “We're happy to coordinate with Baltimore County on the water main project in tandem with these roadway improvements. The result will be an intersection that works safely and efficiently for residents and businesses."

The project is expected to be complete by fall 2022. No detours are planned, but some daytime lane closures on Harford and Joppa roads in the intersection area will take place Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Overnight lane closures will take place Sundays through Thursdays between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following morning. When needed, daytime lane closures may also take place Saturdays and Sundays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more details, visit the project website here.

The project is an example of the important work MDOT SHA is accomplishing during the COVID-19 emergency while maintaining focus on the health and safety of our team and customers. MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits, as well as other pattern changes. Drive like you work here and please slow down in construction zones.

For more information about this project, visit our Project Portal site here. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.​