MDOT SHA BEGINS PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PROJECT ON US 1 IN HOWARD COUNTY

US 1 sign

US 1 sign

​Project Includes a New Sidewalk Along Southbound US 1 in Jessup Community 

(November 3, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin a $1.7 million project to improve pedestrian safety and mobility on southbound US 1 (Washington Boulevard) between Cedar Avenue and Crestmount Road in the Jessup area of Howard County. An estimated 24,000 vehicles travel this section of US 1 daily. 

“This section along US 1 is a very busy commercial and mixed-use area,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “This project is one example of the work MDOT SHA is doing across the state to plan and build sidewalk networks that keep our most vulnerable users safer.” 

The project includes the addition of a sidewalk on southbound US 1, improvements to a 360-foot long retaining wall and partial reconstruction of the existing US 1 bridge over Dorsey Run. The project also includes minor drainage improvements in the area.  

Pedestrian access on US 1

Pedestrian access on US 1

The work schedule is Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MDOT SHA contractor A.J. Romano Construction Inc., of Laurel, will close the shoulder on southbound US 1 and install a concrete barrier to safely perform the work. Pedestrian access will be maintained during construction. Crews will install signs to direct walkers to access the open sidewalks. The project is expected to be complete by summer 2023. 

This is the second recent project in Howard County focused on US 1 pedestrian improvements. In addition to this work, MDOT SHA is adding new sidewalk, crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian signals to four intersections on US 1: Guilford Road, Brewers Court, Rowanberry Drive and Doctor Patel Drive. Information on these improvements can be found here.  

Maryland’s Move Over Law requires motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares or other caution signals. The expanded law is in place to protect emergency responders and motorists who encounter a roadside emergency.

​​​​​​Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile device for roadside assistance.

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at road​s.ma​ryl​and.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.​

Editor’s Note

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.


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