(Hughesville, Maryland) - Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer and Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari today led a delegation of elected officials, business leaders and community residents in celebrating the completion of the $56 million Hughesville Bypass. The four-lane highway breaks a long-time traffic bottleneck that exists on MD 5 in the heart of Hughesville. Also, recently completed is the construction of a $5.7 million park-and-ride facility in La Plata. Joining in the celebration were Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller; Senator Thomas "Mac" Middleton; Senator Roy P. Dyson; Delegate Murray D. Levy; Delegate John F. Wood, Jr.; Delegate John L. Bohanan, Jr.; and commissioners from Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties.
"The Hughesville Bypass is the first of many projects we will deliver for BRAC in the coming years," said Lt. Governor Brown. "The strong partnership between the federal government and our State, county and municipal leaders as well as continued regional cooperation will be the key to our success in meeting the needs of Southern Maryland and BRAC priorities across the State."
The State Highway Administration (SHA) began construction in 2004 on the 3.2-mile bypass that provides congestion relief for the more than 41,000 motorists who travel through the town, and who use MD 5 from St. Mary's County and MD 231 from Calvert County for their regular commute. The traffic count is expected to increase to 68,000 by the year 2025 because of planned growth in Southern Maryland, resulting from BRAC and the expansion of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in St. Mary's County.
"Anyone who has encountered miles-long traffic backups along MD 5 or 231 will reap the benefits of the Hughesville bypass, which will significantly improve traffic flow and efficiency, make our roads safer by reducing congestion, and overall, help accommodate growth in Southern Maryland," stated Congressman Steny Hoyer. "And to meet the growing demand for public transit in our region, the first of six new Park-and-Ride Lots in Southern Maryland will open in La Plata to provide permanent parking for residents using commuter bus services. I am pleased to have been able to secure federal resources for both the bypass and the Southern Maryland Commuter Bus Initiative, and remain committed to working with state, local and federal officials on future projects to ensure the efficiency and security of our state's transportation infrastructure."
The Hughesville Bypass is a four-lane highway located between north of Gallant Green Road and south of Deborah Drive around the eastern side of Hughesville. Additional improvements include two roundabouts, three modified intersections, new bridges over MD 231 and Homeland Drive, the relocation of Foster Lane, and sound barriers adjacent to the Hughesville Manor community. The project was built with nearly $40 million in federal funding and was completed on time and on budget. A significant portion of the bypass was open to traffic in February of this year.
In addition to the opening of the Hughesville Bypass, officials today announced the completion of the Maryland Transit Administration's 277-space, park-and-ride lot located at the corner of Washington Avenue and Heritage Green Parkway in La Plata. The new park-and-ride lot will provide dedicated parking for residents using commuter bus Routes #901 and #907 from La Plata in Charles County to Washington, D.C. The lot will open to commuters next week. The La Plata park-and-ride lot is the first of six new lots to be built in Southern Maryland as part of the Southern Maryland Commuter Bus Initiative that is funded with federal dollars Congressman Steny H. Hoyer worked to put in SAFETEA-LU, the latest federal transportation bill.
"The O'Malley-Brown Administration is committed to improving the road and transit network in Southern Maryland to maintain the good quality of life that makes the region such a great place to work, live and raise a family," said Secretary Porcari.
Other construction projects in Southern Maryland include capacity improvements along MD 2/4 and MD 231 in Calvert County and MD 237 in St. Mary's County - both scheduled to start by the end of the year.
Contact:
Sandra Dobson
Kellie Boulware
410-545-0303
Jack Cahalan
Erin Henson
410-865-1025 |
