March 26, 2019
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Thomas Auyeung, Traffic Manager, Department of Public Works, 410-313-6142
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – A Howard County construction project to add a lane to westbound Snowden River Parkway in the Village of Owen Brown in Columbia is expected to begin on or about Monday, April 7. A third left-turn lane will be constructed on westbound Snowden River Parkway between Minstrel Way and Broken Land Parkway to decrease congestion at the intersection. The existing traffic signal will be modified accordingly. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late August.
"Improving transportation in our county is one of my top priorities," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. "This project has been in the works for years and I am happy we are finally working to expand Snowden River Parkway. I believe decreasing congestion and helping commuters will benefit our entire community."
Signs and flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., as lane shifts and temporary lane closures are expected. In addition to daytime construction work, there will also be approximately 10 nights of after-hours work expected to take place in the median. The night work will also result in temporary lane closures. Additionally, a recorded message at 410-313-4604 will carry project details and updates.
“I am glad to see the County move forward with this long-awaited project,” said Howard County Council Chairperson Christiana Mercer Rigby. “This additional turn lane will help relieve congestion and improve safety along Snowden River Parkway.”
“Expanding Snowden River Parkway is a necessity for Howard County. As a commuter, I am personally affected by the surplus of traffic during the weekday,” said County Council Vice Chairperson Opel Jones. “The additional lane would alleviate congestion for residents and business owners. The infrastructure expansion is long overdue and will assist all who live and work adjacent to Snowden River."
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 Capital Project J-4222 contact Lisa Brightwell, Public Works Customer Service, at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.