​Project Expands Deceleration Lane for Motorists Exiting onto Southbound US 29 

(September 23, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is starting a project to extend the deceleration lane on eastbound I-70 to southbound US 29 (Columbia Pike) at exit 87A near Ellicott City in Howard County. The project will widen eastbound I-70 on the right shoulder to add 835 feet to the deceleration lane. The $4.1 million project is expected to be completed in spring 2026.

​I-70 at US 29

“People familiar with the area know the congestion and the volume of vehicles using this exit, not just during the morning commute hours but throughout the day,” said SHA District Engineer Andrew Radcliffe Jr. “A longer deceleration lane provides more space, more time and more opportunities for motorists to slow down and exit safely.”

The work schedule includes daytime and overnight hours. Daytime work will require a right shoulder closure to enhance worker and motorist safety. During overnight work hours, crews will close the right lane and shoulder. 

​I-70 at US 29
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The I-70 deceleration lane project at US 29 supports the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Serious About Safety initiative, an agency-wide effort that focuses on advocacy, education, project development and implementation to enhance safety for all roadway users. 

The primary contractor is Pessoa Construction Company, a certified Maryland Minority Business Enterprise based in Fairmount Heights. Automated speed enforcement will be deployed on eastbound I-70 during the project. 

The State Highway Administration 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 traffic pattern changes.