The Federal Highway Administration recently awarded the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration a $11.9 million Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation grant to improve safety and reduce congestion on US 50 on the state’s Eastern Shore.
The state will use funding to deploy cutting-edge software, sensors, traffic cameras and message signs an 113 miles of US 50. The technology will monitor traffic queues in real-time, predict flow and adapt signal timing to allow local traffic on side streets to enter and exit US 50 more safely and efficiently.
“Emerging technology is providing us with new tools to monitor, predict and respond to traffic congestion and safety concerns,” Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said. “This support from our federal partners will benefit residents of our Eastern Shore communities and the millions who visit this beautiful part of the state every year.”
The technology will be most beneficial during peak times, saving nearly 2.5 million hours, according to a State Highway Administration estimate.
US 50 experiences significant seasonal and holiday traffic. Crashes, disabled vehicles, debris in the roadway, weather, and work zone activity also contribute to congestion and lost time.
The federal grant supports the State Highway Administration’s Rural Opportunities to Use Traffic Technology Enhancements project.
Installation is expected to begin in late 2026.