New Lanes Will Break Bottleneck and Improve Safety

(September 7, 2017) – As part of the Hogan Administration’s commitment to improve traffic congestion and safety, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will this week begin widening MD 97 (Littlestown Pike) between Airport Drive/Magna Way and Pleasant Valley Road in Carroll County. Crews are adding a through lane in each direction on MD 97 to improve safety and mobility. The $3.8 million project will be complete fall 2018.

MDOT SHA’s contractor, CJ Miller, LLC. of Hampstead, will add a traffic signal to the intersection of MD 97 and Meadow Branch Road/Arthur Peck Drive, providing access to the industrial park. Crews also will improve drainage, resurface and restripe MD 97.

 

 

(MDOT SHA graphic: Before and after photo of MDOT SHA improvements on MD 97.)

Most work will take place behind a temporary barrier wall, which will reduce construction-related delays. Motorists can expect single-lane closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. while the temporary barrier is installed. Approximately 20,000 motorists use this section of MD 97 each day.

The e-Road Ready 2017 electronic construction brochure is now available by clicking here. The e-brochure highlights major road construction and maintenance projects in Maryland’s 23 counties.

While MDOT SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver must actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down; and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.

Maryland drivers also can know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates.