State highway planners seek more public input on APG intersection improvements

State highway planners looking to improve the intersection of U.S. 40 and Route 715 near the entrance to Aberdeen Proving Ground presented four options to the approximately 100 people who attended a public meeting last Tuesday night. According to a story in today's Baltimore Sun:

"Options include two loop ramps from U.S. 40, a cloverleaf and additional lanes."

The story says the costs range from $34 million to $48.8 million and the project has not yet received funding:

"With funding, we could start construction in about three years," said Stephen M. Ches, transportation engineer manager and project manager. "First, there will be design and environmental studies. It will take two to three years to build."

The proposed highway improvements "could affect as many as 18 properties along the heavily commercial strip of U.S. 40. Preliminary studies have identified the potential impact on streams, but environmental research will be needed to determine the effects on wetlands," the story says.

The story says that some of the people who attended asked officials whether Route 715 would be extended to Interstate 95 and they were told that was not part of the plan. The story went on to quote Aberdeen Mayor Michael Bennett saying: "It will have to be done sometime."

The State Highway Administration is allowing 30 more days for the public to comment on the project:

Information: 410-545-8835 or 888-228-5003. The designs will be available soon at www. marylandroads.com, where there is room for comment. (I didn't see them there yet. If you do, please let me know and I'll include a link.)





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