​(June 3, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration today announced the start of construction on $2.3 million in pedestrian safety improvements at two US 1 intersections in Howard County. Improvements along US 1 at Doctor Patel and Rowanberry drives, in the Elkridge area, are designed to enhance safety for all roadway users. Leaders from the Maryland Department of Transportation, State Highway Administration and Howard County on Tuesday celebrated the groundbreaking for the life-saving safety projects.

Safety enhancements at both intersections along US 1 were identified as top priorities for Howard County. The State Highway Administration anticipates that both safety projects will be completed in spring 2026, weather permitting. 

At Doctor Patel Drive, improvements will include a new traffic signal, pedestrian-activated signal and continental crosswalks. At Rowanberry Drive, about a mile south of Doctor Patel Drive, work includes construction of a sidewalk along northbound US 1 between South Hanover Road and Old Washington Road, new continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian signals. 

“At the Maryland Department of Transportation, under Secretary Paul Wiedefeld’s leadership, we are Serious About Safety and doing our part to bend the curve of road deaths,” said Joe McAndrew, Assistant Secretary for Project Development and Delivery with the Maryland Department of Transportation. “These pedestrian intersection improvements along US 1 are the result of the strong partnership between the State, Howard County and the community, and recognizing a need to construct safer, Complete Streets, for all users.”

​​​From left: Howard County Council Chair Liz Walsh, MDOT Assistant Secretary for Project Development and Delivery Joe McAndrew, State Delegate Jessica Feldmark, State Delegate Terri Hill, State Senator Clarence Lam, State Delegate Courtney Watson, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and State Highway Administrator Will Pines. (MDOT State Highway Administration Photo)

“We​​’re thrilled to join our partners at the Maryland Department of Transportation to break ground on these highly anticipated safety improvements along the Route 1 corridor in Elkridge,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “With new sidewalks, intersection upgrades and enhanced pedestrian safety features, these projects will better connect residents to each other and to key community amenities, including our future Elkridge Community Center and 50+ Center. Howard County Government played a critical role in the planning and design of these improvements, and we’re excited to see them move one step closer to completion. I’m grateful to Administrator Pines and the State Highway Administration for their continued partnership in delivering these essential projects.”

“Elkridge residents need and deserve to be able to walk safely throughout the community. These critical safety improvements at Route 1 and Dr. Patel Drive can’t come soon enough, and I am very pleased to see the project moving forward,” said State Delegate Jessica Feldmark. “We are one step closer to creating a safer community for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.”

“This will be a lifesaving project and will improve the well-being and safety of the Elkridge community,” said State Senator Clarence Lam. “I am pleased to see this project come to fruition after significant state and local advocacy.”

Funding for the project had been slated for deferral in the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP) draft Fiscal Year 2026 budget due to fiscal constraints but was restored by Governor Wes Moore and approved by the Maryland General Assembly. The project advances MDOT’s goal to make smart investments that improve safety, drive economic growth and preserve Maryland’s transportation system. 

“Last fall we listened to the community’s pain over the lives lost at these US 1 intersections and knew that we had to overcome the funding roadblocks,” said State Highway Administrator Will Pines. “We are so grateful for the Governor’s investments in transportation that enabled us to advance these critical safety improvements.”

The US 1 improvements reinforce the Department’s Serious About Safety initiative – an enhanced, department-wide initiative to drive safety goals and save lives. Components also follow the department’s Complete Streets policy ensuring state roadways are convenient, reliable and accessible for all users.

The State Highway Administration has worked with Howard County to identify locations and safety needs on US 1. In recent years, the State Highway Administration has completed pedestrian safety improvements at other locations along US 1:

• Brewers Court – new pedestrian-activated signals, protected space in the median and new continental crosswalks were completed in 2023.
  
  
• Guilford Road – a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists along southbound US 1, new continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection were installed in 2023.
  
  
• Crestmount Road and Cedar Avenue on southbound US 1 – new sidewalk, curb, gutter and drainage improvements were completed in 2023. 

In October 2024, the State Highway Administration lowered the speed limit on US 1 between Bonnie View Lane and Greenfield Road – a half-mile section that includes Doctor Patel Drive – from 45 mph to 40 mph. Signs and roadway striping were installed to alert motorists. 

The State Highway Administration 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 traffic pattern changes. 

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, visit the Project Portal or roads.maryland.gov. For real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.