O’MALLEY-BROWN ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES START OF UMES ROUNDABOUT IN SOMERSET COUNTY

Roundabout is First Major Eastern Shore Project Made Possible Due to Transportation Act

Annapolis, Md. – Delivering on their commitment last summer to invest nearly $160 million in new transportation funding for traffic safety enhancements and quality of life improvements for Eastern Shore residents, Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown today announced the start of construction on a new roundabout at the gateway to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in Princess Anne, Somerset County. The long-awaited $2.9 million roundabout is the first Eastern Shore project funded by the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013 to move to construction.

“Today, we are delivering on our promise to invest in key transportation projects that will improve safety, relieve congestion and spur economic development in every corner of the State,” said Governor O’Malley. “This project will enhance the safety of UMES employees, students and Princess Anne residents, while providing more work for a local Eastern Shore contractor and his employees.”

The roundabout will replace the existing intersection of MD 675 (Somerset Avenue) and MD 822 (UMES Boulevard). Construction is getting underway now and is expected to be complete by the end of the year, weather permitting. The roundabout project includes new sidewalks and drainage improvements. Motorists will continue to have access along UMES Boulevard while the roundabout and related utility work are underway. The project will enhance the safety of pedestrian and motorists traveling to UMES, which has approximately 4,500 students.

“We passed the Transportation Act to create jobs today and expand opportunities for Maryland families in the future,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “This new roundabout is one of many transportation projects across the State that now can move to construction thanks to the passage of this Act. Our Administration is committed to building a modern transportation network that will support our growing economy.”

David A. Bramble, Inc. of Chestertown, Md. was awarded the contract by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA). Work will require single-lane closures on MD 675 and MD 822, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. SHA’s contractor will use cones, barrels and flagging operations, as needed, to direct traffic. Construction will not occur during evenings, weekends or during the UMES Spring commencement exercises on May 16.

“This project permanently remedies years of pedestrian safety concerns, as well as traffic issues affecting the residents of Princess Anne and UMES students,” said Senator Jim Mathias. “This UMES-Somerset Avenue roundabout project is a great example of how our citizens, towns, counties and state government achieve success by working together.”

“This project brings together two issues very close to my heart – education and safety,” said Delegate Norman H. Conway. “A good education is the key to building a strong community, but you need to get to school first to accomplish that. Thanks to the O’Malley-Brown Administration and the Transportation Investment Act, this project will provide students and teachers a safe route to school whether they are driving or walking to UMES.”

Funding for this safety improvement was made possible with the passage of the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013. The passage of the Transportation Act enabled the Maryland Department of Transportation to add $4.4 billion in new projects to create the largest six-year capital budget in Maryland history at $15.6 billion. Last August, Governor O’Malley joined local officials in announcing nearly $160 million in key transportation projects for the Eastern Shore, including funds to construct a new interchange at US 301/ MD 304, widen MD 404 from west of MD 309 to Cemetery Road and build a new MD 331 Dover Bridge.

“Our University of Maryland Eastern Shore community is delighted this project is underway, and we are extremely grateful to Governor O’Malley and the State for making funding for this roundabout possible,”UMES President Juliette Bell said. “Improved access to our campus and the safety of our students, who walk along roads with no sidewalks, have been long standing concerns. We look forward to the completion of this project which will benefit UMES and our neighbors.”

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For Everyone!