​(March 4, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is scheduled to begin construction next week on a new 154-space park and ride lot on Elmer Derr Road near US 15/US 340 in Jefferson, Frederick County. This $3.8 million project is expected to be complete in summer 2022.

“This larger park and ride lot will enhance the linkage between our roadway network, mass transit and ridesharing,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “Flexible transportation options are an important part of improving our infrastructure for the future.”

The project includes the construction of a new lot with a pedestrian waiting area, compliant ramps and space for commuter bus circulation. The new facility will replace two existing park and ride lots on Elmer Derr Road off Mt. Zion Road near the US 15/US 340 interchange. With 100 parking spaces combined, these current lots are not big enough to meet commuters’ needs. When the new facility is completed and open, the existing lots will close. Learn more about this project HERE.

“With 50% more capacity compared to the existing lots and plenty of space for bus circulation, this new site will be an important asset in our efforts to expand transportation options for the commuters and residents who travel this corridor every day,” MDOT Secretary Greg Slater said.

“I appreciate the efforts of Secretary Slater to bring this long-awaited project to fruition,” Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said. “Overflow parking at the busy interchange with US 340 and Mount Zion Road has been a safety concern for years. This expansion should greatly improve the situation for drivers along this busy highway.”

The new Elmer Derr Road park and ride lot is an example of the important work MDOT SHA continues to perform during the COVID-19 emergency while maintaining a focus on the health and safety of our team and the public. MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits as well as other driving pattern changes.  Please drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.

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.