The purpose of this project is to reduce congestion and enhance safety at the intersection.  During the evening peak rush hour, Glen Arm Road and Mt. Vista Road experience long queues and delays.  The roundabout will also enhance safety by reducing the number of conflict points at the intersection and slowing traffic as it approaches the intersection.  Since SHA started constructing roundabouts in 1994, there have been zero intersection-related fatalities.  

The project will be constructed in three phases; each phase will require a long-term detour of either the Mt. Vista Road or Glen Arm Road legs of the intersection.  Northbound and southbound Harford Road will remain open to traffic during construction. 

“Harford Road is a popular route for drivers traveling between Harford County and Baltimore County; Glen Arm Road and Mt. Vista Road are key connectors to rural communities,” said Acting SHA District Engineer Wendy Wolcott.  “Construction of the roundabout will improve safety for everyone traveling through this intersection.  SHA appreciates everyone’s patience and caution during construction work and detours during the next year.”  

On October 5, weather permitting, SHA will close the Mt. Vista Road leg of the intersection to begin the first of three phases of the roundabout construction.  SHA’s contractor, Kinsley Construction, Inc. of Timonium, will use portable digital message signs in the vicinity of the intersection to alert motorists of the upcoming closure of Mt. Vista Road at Harford Road. 

Although Harford Road will be open during construction, motorists traveling on Harford Road within the Glen Arm, Kingsville, Long Green, and Fork communities should expect the following driving conditions during the roundabout construction:

•           A closure and detour of either the Mt. Vista Road or Glen Arm Road legs of the four-way intersection, beginning October 5:

Phase 1:          

 

Mt. Vista Road closed at Harford Road (5 – 7 months)

Detour Route: Sunshine Avenue and Belair Road  

Phase 2:          

 

Glen Arm Road closed at Harford Road (2 - 3 months)

Detour Route: Long Green Pike and Fork Road

Phase 3:          

 

Mt. Vista Road closed at Harford Road (3 - 4 weeks)
Detour Route: Sunshine Avenue and Belair Road  

•          Temporary daytime lane closures on Harford Road in the vicinity of the Glen Arm Road/Mt. Vista Road intersection (9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday)

 

•          Temporary flagging operations controlling two-way traffic on Harford Road (9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday)

 

 

 

(SHA graphic:  Mt. Vista Road at MD 147 (Harford Road) detour map.)

 

Approximately 6,000 vehicles use this section of Harford Road each day.  Commuters and commercial vehicle drivers should plan for extra travel time on Harford Road and the detour routes during the next year.  Click here to learn more about Maryland roundabouts.  Citizens with questions about the roundabout construction project may call SHA’s District Four Office – Construction Division at 410-229-2300 or toll-free at 1-866-998-0367.  

While SHA and its transportation 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 and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.

A complete listing of current roadway projects is included in e-Road Ready 2016, the online brochure. Maryland drivers can also know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including construction delays and lane closures.

 

###