(August 15, 2013) – Motorists traveling through the heart of Glen Burnie will soon enjoy a better ride thanks to a two-phase resurfacing of MD 648 (Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard) beginning this weekend.

The first phase, starting Sunday night, August 18, will cover a one-mile section of MD 648 from MD 2 (Ritchie Highway) to MD 10 (Arundel Expressway). SHA will mill (remove the top layer of asphalt), resurface and restripe MD 648.  Weather permitting, this section of B&A Boulevard will be completed by mid-September.  Crews will work Sunday through Thursday, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.  This section of MD 648 carries 11,000 vehicles each day and was last resurfaced in 1989.  Portions of the original roadway alignment in this area date as far back as 1912, according to Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) records.

 

 

“It’s been almost a quarter century since we completely resurfaced this stretch of MD 648,” said SHA District Engineer Lee Starkloff.   “We understand this work is never convenient for residents and motorists, but it’s necessary.  Repaving improves ride quality and extends road service life.  More importantly, it enhances safety by improving roadway drainage, friction and pavement marking visibility.  With just a few weeks of patience and cooperation from residents and business owners, we’ll have a better road that won’t need another major resurfacing for many years to come.”

The second phase of the MD 648 resurfacing will extend from MD 2 to MD 176 (Dorsey Road) near 8th Avenue.  SHA expects to begin this night work by early September.  An average of 17,000 vehicles travels this nearly one-mile section of MD 648 each day.  Last resurfaced in 2000, this stretch of MD 648 through downtown Glen Burnie dates back to 1916 according to SHA records.

Estimated total cost for both projects is $1 million.  American Infrastructure of Fallston is the general contractor.

This project was made possible with funding from the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013, which maintains crucial system preservation investments and allows Maryland to activate long-term strategies to invest in Maryland’s transportation systems. By putting people back to work in the transportation industry with $4.4 billion in new investments over the next six years, Maryland is creating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and providing Marylanders with the transportation infrastructure necessary to grow and prosper for decades to come.

As crews strive to keep work zones safe, 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. Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For everyone!

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