April 25, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott L. Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced that the Howard County Department of Public Works (DPW) will reopen Ellicott Mills Drive on Friday, April 26, in time for SpringFest this weekend in Ellicott City.
“This important project has made Ellicott City more flood resistant and a safer place to visit, and the timing could not be better,” said Ball. “I hope everyone will join us for SpringFest on Saturday. The festival is a great opportunity to celebrate spring weather, have some family fun, and support our local businesses.”
Ellicott Mills Drive had been closed for installation of a new culvert that replaced an aluminum pipe arch installed in 1970, that was washed out during the flood on May 27, 2018. The new culvert is made of 57 pre-cast concrete pieces, each weighing approximately 23 tons. It is about 140 feet long, 24 feet wide, and 13 feet high. Once the culvert installation was complete, DPW had to rebuild and repave the section of Ellicott Mills Drive that collapsed when the previous culvert washed out.
While Ellicott Mills Drive has re-opened, portions of the adjacent Parking Lot F will remain closed while DPW continues to repair the river channel on the north side of Main Street.
Executive Ball commended county employees for their tireless work on the project despite the challenging rainy weather during the end of 2018 and early this year. Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport recorded 71.82 inches of rain in 2018, making it the rainiest year on record. The region recorded 145 rainy and snowy days in 2018, far exceeding the average of 110 days in a year.
For SpringFest, visitors are strongly encouraged to use parking and shuttle service from county parking lots. There are also 200 additional spaces available in the Circuit Courthouse parking lot at 8360 Court Avenue. Find more parking and shuttle information here.
SpringFest will be held on Saturday April 27th from 12:00PM to 8:00PM on Main Street. This free and family-friendly event offers 3 outdoor stages, including the beautiful, new Riverside Stage located in Lot B. Enjoy classic rock and acoustic/folk mixed with a little bluesy funk from over 20 bands. Stage areas offer free family crafts, artisans, local food, wines and locally brewed craft beer. Sidewalk sales, outdoor dining, and free museums throughout town offer something for everyone. Find more details on SpringFest here.