Safety Perimeter Expanded Around Unsafe Glen Burnie Tower

GLEN BURNIE, MD — Anne Arundel County officials have established a 150-foot safety perimeter around a structurally compromised 10-story office building in Glen Burnie and partially reopened southbound Ritchie Highway after determining one lane can safely remain open.

The updated traffic pattern comes as engineers continue evaluating Empire Towers, a 10-story office building at 7310 Ritchie Highway that county officials declared unsafe after discovering significant structural concerns.

• RELATED: Officials Declare 10-Story Glen Burnie Building Unsafe

According to County Executive Steuart Pittman, the 150-foot safety perimeter, equal to one and a half times the building's height, was established based on guidance from structural safety officials.

Residents are being strongly advised to avoid the area.

What Initially Happened

First responders were first called to Empire Towers at 7310 Ritchie Hwy. on Thursday around 2:30 p.m. In the moments that followed, officials evacuated 100 people from the property.

County officials previously said the building was evacuated after engineers identified structural instability, raising concerns about a potential collapse. Officials issued an emergency declaration, and nearby roads and businesses were closed as a precaution while structural experts assessed the building.

No injuries have been reported.

Updated Road Closures

The Maryland State Highway Administration shifted southbound traffic on Route 2 to maintain one open lane while preserving the safety buffer, rather than keeping the roadway fully closed.

Officials also updated the road closure perimeter, moving it to Sixth Avenue. The closure affects both Crain Highway and southbound Ritchie Highway, with drivers being detoured via Eighth Avenue and Route 648.

Pittman said county departments are still coordinating with structural engineers and emergency responders to reassess the building's condition, safety perimeters and traffic control measures as the situation evolves.

"Anne Arundel County recognizes the impact this incident has on businesses in the area," Pittman said in a statement. "Impacted business owners are encouraged to reach out to the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation at info@aaedc.org."

Officials said additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.