ELLICOTT CITY, MD – A Howard County Department of Public Works roadway maintenance project to extend the lifespan of more than 14 miles of County roads in the western region by seven to 10 years, is expected to begin on or about Monday, August 19th. Using a “chip seal” process, County crews will patch and spray liquid asphalt emulsion on the roadway, and then immediately cover the surface with fine stone. Rubber tired rollers will then push the stone into the asphalt emulsion. Once the stone adheres to the asphalt emulsion, the loose stone will be swept away and the roadway lane markings repainted. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by the middle of September.
This vital resurfacing project ensures we are proving reliable and accessible transportation to our residents and visitors by improving the rideability and lifespan of our County maintained roadways. In my approved Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Budget, I included a $15.1 million in funding to address critical road resurfacing needs. During the last five years, we have invested more than $53 million in road resurfacing projects, reflecting an increase of more than $30 million over the prior five year period. This historic investment will allow us to continue to address critical resurfacing projects in every corner of Howard County.
County roads to be addressed by chip sealing will include:
Mount Airy
- Winsor Forest Road (from Long Corner Road To Montgomery County Line)
- Shaffers Mill Road (from Shaffersville Road to Florence Road)
- Shaffersville Road (from Florence Road to Long Corner Road)
- Mullinix Mill Road (from Florence Road to Montgomery County Line)
Woodbine
- Bushy Park Road (from Route 144 to Carrs Mill Road)
Sykesville
- River Road (West Friendship Road to Route 32)
Clarksville
- Broadwater Lane (from Linden Church Road to dead end)
Ellicott City
- Daniels Road (Frederick Road to dead end)
Signs will be posted to alert motorists and cyclists of the project and to urge caution when traveling through the project area as loose gravel and unmarked pavement can be expected until the work is complete.
While the County and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, drivers are reminded to stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Please slow down and don’t follow too closely when traveling through a work zone. Remember, work zone safety is in your hands.
For questions or concerns about this maintenance project, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.