$2.3M In County Road Projects To Enhance Driver, Pedestrian Safety

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Two intersections in Howard County along US 1 will undergo construction projects designed to improve safety for everyone.

The project, pegged at $2.3 million, started Tuesday. Improvements along US 1 at Doctor Patel and Rowanberry drives, in the Elkridge area, are designed to enhance safety for all roadway users.

At Doctor Patel Drive, improvements will include a new traffic signal, pedestrian-activated signal and continental crosswalks. At Rowanberry Drive, about a mile south of Doctor Patel Drive, work calls for the construction of a sidewalk along northbound US 1 between South Hanover Road and Old Washington Road, new continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian signals.

“We’re thrilled to join our partners at the Maryland Department of Transportation to break ground on these highly anticipated safety improvements along the Route 1 corridor in Elkridge,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “With new sidewalks, intersection upgrades and enhanced pedestrian safety features, these projects will better connect residents to each other and to key community amenities, including our future Elkridge Community Center and 50+ Center. Howard County government played a critical role in the planning and design of these improvements, and we’re excited to see them move one step closer to completion. I’m grateful to Administrator Pines and the State Highway Administration for their continued partnership in delivering these essential projects.”

Safety enhancements at both intersections along US 1 were identified as top priorities for Howard County. The State Highway Administration anticipates that both safety projects will be completed in spring 2026, weather permitting.

“Elkridge residents need and deserve to be able to walk safely throughout the community. These critical safety improvements at Route 1 and Dr. Patel Drive can’t come soon enough, and I am very pleased to see the project moving forward,” added State Delegate Jessica Feldmark. “We are one step closer to creating a safer community for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.”

The State Highway Administration has worked with Howard County to identify locations and safety needs on US 1. In recent years, the State Highway Administration has completed pedestrian safety improvements at other locations along US 1:

• Brewers Court – new pedestrian-activated signals, protected space in the median and new continental crosswalks were completed in 2023.
• Guilford Road – a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists along southbound US 1, new continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection were installed in 2023.
• Crestmount Road and Cedar Avenue on southbound US 1 – new sidewalk, curb, gutter and drainage improvements were completed in 2023.

In October 2024, the State Highway Administration lowered the speed limit on US 1 between Bonnie View Lane and Greenfield Road – a half-mile section that includes Doctor Patel Drive – from 45 mph to 40 mph. Signs and roadway striping were installed to alert motorists.