Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman announced a $152 million investment to widen Maryland Route 32.
The partnership with Howard County will allow the State to fast-track the first phase of the project and widen the 2.5 miles from Route 108 to Linden Church Road, taking it from a two lane undivided highway to a four lane divided highway.
“Route 32 is one of the most congested roads in the region and causes considerable delays and safety concerns for thousands of motorists every day, many of whom live or work in Howard County,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “Through this creative solution with the State, we are able to move this project forward much more quickly. I thank Governor Hogan for working with us to make this a reality.”
This phase of the Route 32 widening is the first in a three-phase project to widen Route 32 from Route 108 to Interstate 70, and to study continued widening into Carroll County. Phase II, which will widen Route 32 from Linden Church Road to Interstate 70, will begin in 2019. Phase III is a planning study to determine what is needed to widen MD 32 in Carroll County to MD 26.
Widening Route 32 is a priority for the region as it major corridor in and out of Fort George G. Meade, Maryland’s largest employer. The stretch of Route 32 impacted by this project is the sixth most congested portion of State highway during evening commuting hours, according the Maryland Department of Transportation.
“Workforce mobility remains a major issue in the Fort Meade region,” FMA President Steve Tiller said. “Easing congestion and improving mass transit options will have a positive impact on economic growth, job creation and quality of life.”
The MBC Opportunities & Connections series gives FMA members the opportunity to meet with key connections in the Fort Meade government contracting community in an interactive, small group setting. The next event will be held in spring 2016. For more information about FMA’s Meade Business Connect, contact Will Burns at wburns@ftmeadealliance.org.
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