(July 28, 2015)  –  Work is underway to add an additional lane on northbound US 15 between the Motter Avenue and MD 26 (Liberty Road) interchanges in Frederick to improve safety and traffic flow. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) recently started constructing the new auxiliary lane, which is expected to open to traffic spring 2016, weather permitting. The $2.5 million project is one of several interim steps SHA is taking to improve safety and reduce congestion on the busy US 15/I-270 corridor. Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn recently toured the project with Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner.

“This project is all about reducing traffic gridlock and improving safety,” said Secretary Rahn.  “Working closely with Frederick County officials, we are delivering a project that will provide much-needed traffic relief for US 15 drivers.”

Upon completion, there will be a continuous lane from the entry ramp from Motter Avenue to the exit ramp for MD 26, providing additional volume and more space for drivers to safely merge into and out of the through lanes. This section of US 15 serves an average of 43,700 vehicles per day with daily traffic projected to increase to 58,500 by 2033.  The area also has a crash rate higher than the statewide average. The project was designed to help prevent crashes by reducing the need for weaving merge maneuvers.

"These improvements will help traffic flow more smoothly in and out of Fort Detrick, Frederick County's largest employer,” stated Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner. “They'll also bring relief to the many residents who drive on Route 15 every day, with shorter travel times getting to work, shopping, or simply moving about the county."

The auxiliary lane will be 2,200 feet long, or nearly half a mile, and will have a 10-foot shoulder. The project also includes construction of retaining walls at each end of the project, construction of a storm water management channel in the median of US 15, and replacement of guardrail, lighting and signs. Construction began in mid-June with the installation of signs, a lane shift and the addition of a temporary concrete traffic barrier to separate the work area on the shoulder from traffic. Crews have completed guardrail relocation in the median, have begun work on the new retaining walls and are excavating on the northbound shoulder area for the roadway widening.

SHA’s contractor for the project is Concrete General, Inc. of Gaithersburg. Those who would like more information may contact the SHA District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll-free at 1-800-635-5119 or by e-mail at shadistrict7@sha.state.md.us.