One of Several Similar MD 2 Improvements in Southern Anne Arundel and Calvert Counties
ANNAPOLIS (December 23, 2013) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) today announced the start of safety improvements at the MD 2 (Solomons Island Road) at MD 255 (Owensville Road) intersection in southern Anne Arundel County. The $2.5 million project is the second of several planned intersection improvements demonstrating the State’s commitment to enhancing safety and traffic flow along the MD 2 corridor in southern Anne Arundel and northern Calvert counties.
Utility relocation work recently began at the MD 2 / MD 255 (Owensville Road) intersection. This preliminary work will be followed by clearing, drainage improvements, widening, grading, resurfacing and restriping. Active construction work will begin spring 2014. When the project is complete in late 2015, southbound MD 2 motorists will use a new dedicated left turn lane and reconstructed through lanes and shoulders at the intersection.
This is one of several left-turn projects planned within a 14-mile stretch of MD 2 in this area. Earlier this year SHA reconstructed the MD 2 / MD 423 (Fairhaven Road / Jewell Road) intersection, adding dedicated turn lanes on MD 2 in both directions. Similar improvements are also planned for the Harwood Drive, Deale Road, Owensville-Sudley Road intersections in Anne Arundel County, and the MD 2 / Mt. Harmony Road intersection in Calvert County.
“MD 2 is a major commuter route linking southern Maryland residents with employment hubs in Anne Arundel County,” noted SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Constructing these turn lanes will enhance safety by separating turning vehicles from through traffic. This will improve traffic flow through the corridor during the busy morning and evening peak commute periods.”
More than 19,000 vehicles cross the MD 2/MD 255 intersection each day. The MD 2 traffic volume averages 10,000 vehicles per day at the Mt. Harmony Road intersection and increases along the corridor to more than 52,000 vehicles per day in Edgewater, just north of MD 214 (Central Avenue). SHA awarded the construction contract to Ardent Company of McLean, VA.
While SHA and its partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert – look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don't follow too closely.
Source: Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA)