State, Howard Co. Announce Plans To Expand Route 32

Gov. Larry Hogan and Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman announced Thursday a $152 million, multi-year plan to expand Maryland Route 32.

In a press conference at the State Highway Administration shop in Dayton, the pair announced the plan to expand the two-lane route also known as Sykesville Road from Maryland Route 108 in Clarksville to Interstate 70. Other improvements into Carroll County will also be reviewed.

"Our administration has made it very clear that building, maintaining and fixing Maryland's roads and bridges is our top transportation priority," Hogan said, according to a release. "This long overdue funding to reduce congestion and improve safety along MD 32 is just one more way that we are changing Maryland for the better."

The cost will be shared by the state and county, allowing the project to move fast, according to a release. The first phase will see the 2.5 miles from MD-108 to Linden Church Road widened to a four-lane highway. The project will span three phases, the first of which will cost $33 million and begin this summer. The second phase, priced at $107 million, will begin in 2019 and include a new bridge at Triadelphia Road. More than 30,000 vehicles use the road each day.

“The gridlock causes safety problems and pushes motorists to find alternate routes through surrounding neighborhoods, which causes even more problems," Kittleman said. "I am pleased that through this creative solution with the State we will be able to reduce congestion and support regional economic development.”

Governor Larry Hogan and Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman today announced a $152 million investment to widen Maryland Route 32 from Maryland Route 108 in Clarkesville to Interstate 70 and to study continued improvements into Carroll County.