​Public Invited to Learn More About the Stream Project and Provide Feedback on Proposed Design Concepts 

(October 13, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will host a public open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, at Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Lane in Ellicott City. During the meeting, SHA will share information and receive feedback on the upcoming measures planned to support improved ecosystem function for the Upper Little Patuxent Stream in Howard County. 

In 2015, State Highway Administration completed a restoration project along approximately 4,250 feet of the Upper Little Patuxent River and an adjacent tributary. Successful stream restoration requires multi year monitoring and targeted maintenance to ensure long-term stability and ecological function.  

map for Howard County Open House project

The upcoming adaptive management project reflects the State Highway Administration’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the restored stream corridor, especially after two severe regional storms caused sediment buildup, bank erosion and vegetation loss. The project is approaching 65% design completion, with the design phase expected to reach 100% completion by the fall of 2027. 

The open house is an opportunity for residents, businesses and commuters to learn more about the project and view proposed design concepts. Attendees may arrive at any time during the open house to view maps and displays, speak with State Highway Administration representatives and provide feedback. There will be no formal presentation.  

Project materials will be available on the Upper Little Patuxent Adaptive Management Project Portal page after the open house. 

Those requiring assistance to participate in the open house, including interpreter needs for hearing/speech difficulties or assistance with the English language, may email [email protected] before the event. Please indicate the desired language in the subject line. Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1. 

Questions about the open house or general inquiries can be directed to Project Manager Adam Nabors at [email protected] or Community Relations Manager Holly Pearl at [email protected]​. 

This project is consistent with the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Serious About Safety initiative, a department-wide commitment to advance improvements that drive safety goals and save lives.