Bohanan Paves the Way for Rt. 5 Improvements
For decades the lack of shoulders on MD Route 5 from Camp Brown Road to Point Lookout State Park have caused concern for residents of Ridge, Maryland and visitors as well. Local legislators finally received recognition by the state of the need for the project in the late 1990s. Then last week, James T. Smith, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, notified Del. John L. Bohanan that the project would move forward.
“Thank you for your ongoing leadership on transportation in St. Mary’s County. I appreciated the tour you gave me earlier this year to discuss this area’s particular transportation needs,” wrote Mr. Smith.
“I am writing to update you on the progress made on another issue you brought to our attention – your concerns about the lack of shoulders on MD 5 from Camp Brown Road to Point Lookout State Park.
“As you know, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) completed a project planning study in 1997 in which the project was estimated to cost approximately $20 million. With no funding programmed in the Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP), the project was put on hold in 2000. Per your request earlier this year, SHA reevaluated the project and potential strategies to advance it. SHA also considered new environmental regulations, as well as current State bicycle access policies.
“SHA completed this analysis and identified a strategy to advance the project in four phases including mitigation. This approach makes advancing a project to construction more manageable from a budgeting perspective. The typical section could include eleven-foot lanes and eight-foot shoulders from Camp Brown Road to the Ranger Station. This would address the safety concerns you raised and be consistent with SHA’s policy encouraging the development of bicycle compatible shoulders.
“The first phase identified is approximately 1.1 miles long from Camp Brown Road to Scotland Beach Road. Construction costs are estimated to be approximately $5 million, while the total 2.2 miles corridor is estimated at approximately $10 million. This does not include right-of-way or engineering costs. Based on our discussions, SHA would undertake preliminary engineering for the entire 2.2-mile corridor, so that project phases can be constructed as funds become available. With the conclusion of this analysis, the next step would be to identify funding for and initiate preliminary engineering.”
“The Maryland Department of Transportation is providing $1.8 million for SHA to undertake corridor improvement designs. SHA will meet with community stakeholders to present this approach and discuss the potential construction phasing in more detail. The meeting is scheduled for Oct. 27 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. Residents should receive notices in the mail two weeks prior to the meeting.”
Mr. Smith additionally noted the other state highway projects Del. Bohanan shepherded toward completion including:
Widening of northbound MD Route 4 from MD Route 235 to Patuxent Boulevard
A new traffic signal at MD Route 4 at Wildwood Parkway became operational.
An analysis of short-, mid-, and long-term concepts to improve traffic safety and operations at MD 5/MD 246 in Great Mills.
