State Shelves Plans for Davidsonville Salt Barn

State officials have shelved plans to build a salt storage barn at the US 50/MD 424 interchange in Davidsonville.

This winter, SHA Administrator Greg Johnson plans to review winter maintenance operations and focus on maximizing the capacity of existing salt facilities.

“I will review salt usage over the coming winter, and if needed, look to existing facilities for additional salt storage capacity,” Johnson said in a news release. “Our goal is to ensure our roads are safe during winter travel while making the best use out of Maryland taxpayers’ dollars.”

Johnson comes to the Maryland agency with a strong background in fighting winter storms during 32 years with the Michigan Department of Transportation where he served multiple roles as chief operations officer, chief engineer and deputy director.

The decision to abandon the Davidsonville plans will have no immediate affect on winter operations, state official say, since the reserve salt barn was not funded for construction and it would not have been available this winter or the next.

“I thank Governor Hogan and the State Highway Administration for listening to our residents and ensuring the Y Worry Farm can continue to be a special place for Anne Arundel County citizens,” said County Executive Steve Schuh.

If SHA needs to reallocate resources in the event of an extreme winter, SHA will continue the practice of trucking salt loads from other nearby salt facilities. SHA has 94 salt domes and barns used to maintain nearly 17,000 lane miles of road across Maryland. In Anne Arundel County alone, SHA has five existing salt domes and barns locations in: Annapolis, Odenton, Tracys Landing, Southdale and two in Glen Burnie.