US 29 Ramp Construction Underway As Part Of $1.9M Project: SHA

COLUMBIA, MD – A new exit ramp is under construction on US 29 to MD 175. Work began this week and is expected to be complete by spring 2018, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration.

The project will cost $1.9 million, state transportation officials say.

The goal is to improve safety and traffic flow at the US 29-MD 175 interchange, which is a busy stretch; daily, officials say 116,000 drivers use this part of US 29.

When complete, the spur ramp will connect northbound US 29 to MD 175/Little Patuxent Parkway. It will eliminate the "loop ramp" currently in place.

During the construction project, crews will install a new traffic signal at the intersection, improve drainage and resurface the existing ramp.

To minimize delays for thousands of drivers during construction, most of the work will be done behind a temporary barrier wall, state highway officials advised.

"Please slow down and stay alert for work crews," State Highway Administration District Engineer John Concannon said in a statement.

Once the new ramp is finished, authorities say the current ramp will close.

Main image via Google streetview.