ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today opened a newly finished Complete Streets project in Savage. The nearly $2 million multi-phased project added 5,145 linear feet of curb and gutter, 3,635 linear feet of concrete sidewalk, 660 feet of pervious sidewalk and 44 new ADA ramps. Photos of the event can be found here.
Our existing infrastructure served as a barrier that prevented people from enjoying all that Historic Savage Mill has to offer, with insufficient curbs, sidewalks and ADA accessibility in many parts of the area. So we got to work. Completing the Savage Complete Streets Project connects the Savage community, providing safe and accessible walkways for pedestrians around Historic Savage Mill. Though there is much work to be done to make our vision of Complete Streets for all in Howard County a reality, we are one step closer today.
“Savage Complete Streets has transformed how residents connect with each other and with community hubs like Savage Mill, Carroll Baldwin Hall, Savage Library, and Savage Park,” said Councilwoman Christiana Rigby. “I am so grateful for the dedication and focus of County Executive Ball and our hard-working county government employees who have collaborated with the community to make these pedestrian and safety improvements a reality.”
The three-phased project improved pedestrian access and safety and installs traffic calming measures at several locations in Savage, including:
- A mini-roundabout at Foundry and Washington Streets;
- Curb and sidewalk improvements along Washington Street between Fair and Williams Streets;
- Curb and sidewalk along Commercial and Foundry Streets between Baltimore and Washington Streets; and
- Curb and sidewalk along Baltimore Street from Fair Street to Savage Guilford Road.
“It wasn’t until Dr. Ball breathed new life into this project and committed to funding it, that it’s made what we have today possible,” said Susan Garber, President of the Savage Community Association. “People now from the center point of town have sidewalks all the way the Savage Branch Library. This connectivity it’s really crucial for our community, and something for which I’m quite thankful.”
“This project has improved walkability in our neighborhood, and it’s a lot safer for pedestrians,” said Sara Vermillion, President of the Carroll Baldwin Memorial Institute. “A lot of people use our neighborhood as a cut through to avoid route 1, so having these bump outs and things that are designed to slow the traffic is a huge benefit.”
County Executive Ball has prioritized creating reliable and accessible infrastructure, including a record $5.4 million for bicycle and pedestrian projects in his most recent capital budget. This funding supports new infrastructure to continue implementation of the Howard County Pedestrian Master Plan, Bicycle Master Plan and Complete Streets Policy, while also funding the repair and maintenance of existing sidewalks and curb ramps.
The County’s Complete Streets policy strives to ensure that Howard County is a place where individuals of all backgrounds, ages and abilities can live and travel freely, safely, and comfortably whether by foot, bicycle, public transportation, or automobile. The Complete Streets Implementation Team is currently updating the Design Manual, which is expected to be completed and submitted to the County Council early next year.
Visit the Office of Transportation’s Complete Streets website to learn more, sign up to receive notices about upcoming public meetings and events related to Complete Streets and/or email Transportation at transportation@howardcounty.gov.