​(December 29, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has completed a $3.4 million project to enhance safety and intersection operations on MD 27 (Ridge Road) at Gillis Falls and Harrisville roads in Mount Airy by realigning the intersection and making other upgrades.

“This project was accomplished through an important partnership with Carroll County,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith, “I want to thank the county for funding the signal installation and a portion of the construction cost to get these improvements completed.”

In addition to the realignment, the project included:

• Left turn lanes and right turn deceleration lanes in both directions of MD 27.
• Wider shoulders to accommodate bicyclists.
• A modified traffic signal that includes new turn lanes.

“The result of these intersection improvements on MD 27 will be safer travel through an area that’s heavily used by commuters, residents and businesses,” MDOT Secretary Greg Slater said. “It’s another example of how communication and collaboration at the state, county and local levels can improve our transportation network and our communities.”

MDOT SHA 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 driving pattern changes. Drive like you work here and please slow down in construction zones.   

The MD 27 intersection project is another example of the important work completed by MDOT SHA during the COVID-19 emergency while maintaining a focus on the health and safety of work crews and customers.

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.