(July 15, 2009) – As part of the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) ongoing effort to increase ridesharing opportunities, SHA will add 22 parking spaces to the MD 222 (Blythedale Road/Bainbridge Road) park and ride facility in Perryville, Cecil County.  Weather permitting, construction will begin on Monday, July 20 and will be complete by early November.

To ensure the safety of citizens and to prevent vehicle damage, the existing 40-vehicle lot will be closed to the public during construction.  SHA regrets the inconvenience.  Nearby alternate park and ride locations include:

• I-95 at MD 272 (Elkton), located off Exit 100 (17 spaces);
• I-95 at MD 279 (Elkton), located at Exit 109 (25 spaces); and
• MD 213 at Frenchtown Road (18 available spaces).

The MD 222 park and ride facility, located off I-95 at exit 93, often exceeds its intended capacity.  When parking spaces are depleted, motorists park in the surrounding grass, causing safety issues.  SHA will also resurface the entire lot and provide new pavement markings and lighting.  The project includes landscaping and stormwater management improvements.  The contract was awarded to M.P. Zink Construction, Inc.

This $317,000 project is made possible through Governor Martin O’Malley’s aggressive management of the requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, bringing critically needed transportation investments to Maryland.  Projects such as these are stimulating Maryland’s economy by supporting hundreds of jobs.  Follow the delivery of these projects at www.recovery.maryland.gov, which tracks every category of ARRA spending and provides contract-level details to the public in an effort to achieve new levels of government transparency and efficiency.

Through the use of ridesharing facilities, motorists achieve cost savings and help the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  As gas prices continue to rise and our nation continues to face economic hardships, carpooling is an excellent way to conserve funds and reduce pollution.  All SHA lots have free parking, there are no special permits required and the lots are open 24/7 unless otherwise signed.  For further information please contact the SHA Park and Ride Coordinator at 410-545-5675 or toll-free at 1-800-204-4828.

SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly, Choose Safety for Life and “Think Orange,” which is the color of construction signs and warning devices.  Learn more about work zone safety and the Choose Safety for Life campaign at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.

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