The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administration recently completed the second and final phase of the MD 32 highway improvement project in Howard County. Gov. Larry Hogan cut the ribbon in a ceremony held Thursday.
“The widening of MD 32 is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to our terrific workforce and our partnership with Howard County,” MDOT Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. said. “Both phases will enhance safety and ease congestion along this very busy commuter route.”
Daily, approximately 23,500 vehicles travel along this section of MD 32. By 2042, traffic is projected to increase by 41,000 vehicles daily, on average.
The $127.7 million phase expanded MD 32 from a two-lane highway to a four-lane divided highway between Linden Church Road and I-70. Work included replacing the Triadelphia Road Bridge over MD 32, constructing a new Terrapin Road connecting the Vistaview community to MD 144, and building bioswales to filter and manage storm water before it enters the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The $40.9 million first phase widened 2.5 miles of MD 32 from MD 108 to Linden Church Road. Construction began in the summer of 2017 and was completed in 2019.
Howard County contributed $17.4 million toward the first phase.