Projects will Improve Safety and Reduce Intersection-Related Congestion

(Aug. 27, 2019) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is beginning several major projects that will enhance safety and improve intersection operations along the MD 170 (Telegraph Road), MD 214 (Central Avenue) and MD 174 (Reece Road) corridors in Anne Arundel County.

MDOT SHA is constructing a new left-turn-only lane for vehicles turning left from eastbound MD 174 to northbound Severn Road. Crews will also lengthen the existing right-turn lane from westbound MD 174 to northbound Severn Road. The $1.8 million project will be complete summer 2020.

In addition to the turn-lane upgrades, crews will improve roadway drainage; replace concrete curb and gutter; and mill, pave and restripe the pavement. The existing traffic signal will be upgraded to include the new turn lane.

MDOT SHA’s contractor, Rustler Construction, Inc. of Upper Marlboro, is permitted to initiate single lane closures Mondays through Fridays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays through Thursdays between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following morning. More than 19,000 vehicles travel this section of MD 174 each day.

MDOT SHA is reducing the speed limit from 50 mph to 45 mph on a nearly three-mile section of MD 170 between Betson Avenue and MD 174 (Reece Road/Donaldson Avenue). Updated speed limit signs identifying the new speed limit will be installed by the end of the month.

The average daily traffic volume in this corridor ranges between 16,200 near Betson Avenue to nearly 26,600 near MD 174.

Drivers are advised to remain alert for workers and students walking in the area during the school year.

Crews are beginning a project to enhance safety and improve efficiency at the MD 214 (Central Avenue) / MD 468 (Muddy Creek Road) intersection in Mayo. MDOT SHA will resurface and restripe the existing intersection to create a dedicated turn lane in each direction. Once complete, eastbound MD 214 will have one through lane and a dedicated right-turn-only lane, and westbound MD 214 will have two through lanes and a dedicated left-turn-only lane.

Lane configurations on MD 468 will remain in place. Providing these separated turning movements will bring some traffic relief for those traveling MD 214. Crews will work at night to complete the work by the start of the school year. Approximately 21,000 vehicles use this section of MD 214 each day.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our contractors. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on the road and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones. For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, click on Road Ready, MDOT SHA's electronic construction brochure. For a look at real-time commute conditions, log onto md511.maryland.gov. Customers with questions about this and other MDOT SHA projects in the area may contact the local District 5 Office at 410-841-1000.