Report Studied Transportation and Safety Needs Along MD 90 Between US 50 and Coastal Highway in Ocean City
(February 23, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration today released results of the
MD 90 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study to assess traffic operations, capacity, safety, pedestrian and bicyclist accessibility, economic opportunity and emergency evacuations. The study, initiated in summer 2021, evaluates the MD 90 corridor in Worcester County between US 50 (Ocean Gateway) and MD 528 (Coastal Highway) in Ocean City.
“The MD 90 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study helps us explore strategies to improve service for all those who use MD 90, from vacationers and local residents to business travelers and emergency responders,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “In our mission to protect and enhance Maryland communities, we know mobility, accessibility, safety and reliability are vital components. This study will help us and our community partners chart a course of action.”
MD 90 between US 50 and Coastal Highway is a two-lane, 55 mph freeway. During the summer season, eastbound traffic queues can extend nearly six miles on Fridays approaching Ocean City, and more than 7.5 miles Saturdays during peak times. MD 90 and US 50 also are primary evacuation routes to leave Ocean City and the Assateague area during a severe weather event or emergency.
The study is designed to help the State Highway Administration identify needs along MD 90, develop conceptual solutions and improvements and recommend strategies for project development based on input from stakeholders, environmental agencies and the public. Study results, along with public and agency feedback and potential environmental impacts, are summarized in the report, accessible
here.
“The MD 90 study provides us with the information we need to accurately access this vital corridor and summarize recommendations to help us prioritize projects,” said State Highway Administration Administrator Tim Smith. “Results will be used for the National Environmental Policy Act process for potential projects in this area.”
The State Highway Administration anticipates moving forward with preliminary design and evaluations for potential corridor solutions beginning this spring. Information about the study and the full report are available on the project portal page.
The State Highway Administration maintains safety in work zones for our crews as well as motorists. Drivers need to stay alert, stay focused, look for reduced speed limits as well as driving pattern changes, and slow down in construction zones.
Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile device for roadside assistance.
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.