Harford Opens New Roundabout at Maryland Routes 7 & 159

BEL AIR, Md., (Aug. 21, 2019) - Harford County has opened a new roundabout at the intersection of Maryland Route 7 and Route 159 in Aberdeen, improving access to the county’s manufacturing, warehousing and e-commerce centers. The roundabout, which opened on August 1 near Aberdeen Proving Ground, is a gateway to thousands of jobs on the Perryman peninsula and home to nearly 3,000 residents. A former “T” intersection controlled by a stop sign had slowed traffic in the area. The roundabout was specially designed to handle tractor-trailers that serve the peninsula, and allows for the free flow of more than 5,000 vehicles using this intersection daily.

Although the roundabout connects two state roads, County Executive Barry Glassman announced in his 2017 State of the County address that he would propose using “PILOT” funding to move the project forward. In this case, the PILOT, or Payment in Lieu of Taxes, is a program authorized by the state that allows the county to collect revenue from a private developer leasing federal government property. The funds for this roundabout were restricted to transportation projects within three miles of Aberdeen Proving Ground.

“The Perryman roundabout will improve safety and keep traffic moving in and out of the peninsula, which is so vital to our economic progress,” Harford County Executive Barry Glassman said. “It will also better position Harford County and our Perryman work center for additional job growth and capital investment.”