'Dangerous' Roadway Could Get Safety Improvements

MIDDLE RIVER, MD — A safety improvement plan will be discussed for a busy Baltimore County thoroughfare at a community input meeting next week.

Results of the Eastern Boulevard Traffic Safety Study will be presented Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Gunpowder VFW, located at 6309 Ebenezer Road in Middle River. Officials will also answer questions from the community.

Safety on Eastern Boulevard/Avenue was thrust into the spotlight in January 2024 when Maryland Air National Guard servicemember Lacy O'Neill, 30, died after a crash entering the roadway. Her SUV was hit while driving out of a parking lot and onto Eastern Boulevard near Martin State Airport, police said.

“There have been too many accidents, including tragic fatalities on Eastern Blvd,” Del. Kathy Szeliga said in a press release. “This meeting will provide everyone a chance to hear the much-needed information from the State Highway Administration. We strongly encourage people to attend and participate.”

Improving safety on the roadway, also known as Maryland Route 150, has been a focus for the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration over the past year.

The recent Eastern Boulevard Traffic Safety Study examined the roadway between Maryland Route 43 (White Marsh Boulevard) and Earls Road.

In August 2024, MDOT SHA announced that it selected Eastern Avenue to undergo a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan and held public meetings on the project last October and this May.

The pedestrian improvements will center on the section of Eastern Avenue between Maryland Route 700 (Martin Boulevard) and Maryland Route 702 (Southeast Freeway).

This project is currently in the design phase. Design is scheduled to wrap up in fall 2026. Planners have not yet announced when construction will start. Updates will be posted in this portal.

“This corridor has become increasingly dangerous for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike,” Del. Ryan Nawrocki said in the release. “For too long, our community has endured serious safety concerns on Eastern Boulevard. This meeting is an opportunity for residents to hear directly from SHA and ensure that meaningful solutions are implemented.”

All residents and businesses of Middle River, Bowleys Quarters, Chase, Oliver Beach, Essex and the surrounding communities are invited to attend the meeting.