UPDATE: The Maryland Department of Transportation has just announced a significant $113.8 million project to widen Interstate 97, aiming to tackle severe traffic bottlenecks between Route 32 near Millersville and Routes 50 and 301 in Annapolis. This initiative is vital as current traffic levels on I-97 reach up to 113,000 vehicles per day, a figure projected to soar to 135,000 within the next nine years.
During a press event held on Monday at First Christian Community Church in Annapolis, officials outlined the urgent need for this project. Will Pines, the Maryland State Highway Administrator, emphasized, “This project will add capacity while improving safety and operations for motorists along the corridor. This is one of the busiest corridors in Maryland.” The widening will expand the road from four lanes to six, directly addressing one of the state’s worst traffic bottlenecks.
Anne Arundel County is contributing $10.6 million to the project, which will cover a seven-mile stretch of I-97. The design and construction phases will follow a timeline where a design-build contract is expected to be awarded in 2027, with groundbreaking anticipated in 2028. Pines remarked that the timeline for completion will depend on the contract’s specifics.
County Executive Steuart Pittman highlighted the local impact of traffic congestion, stating, “We’ve all sat on 97 for far too long, wishing we were somewhere else other than sitting in the regular traffic.” He noted the significant increase in Anne Arundel County travelers—over 200,000 additional commuters—who flood onto alternate routes like Routes 2 and 3 when I-97 is overwhelmed.
Sam Snead, Director of the Anne Arundel County Department of Transportation, reiterated that I-97 was originally constructed in the late 1980s to alleviate traffic on those very routes, underscoring the pressing need for this expansion to maintain its intended purpose.
Officials assure that construction will not disrupt current traffic patterns, as existing shoulders will provide enough space for crews to work. However, these details could adapt depending on how the contract ultimately unfolds.
This project is part of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Draft Consolidated Transportation Program spanning fiscal years 2026 through 2031. With traffic concerns reaching a critical point, this widening initiative is set to significantly enhance the commuting experience for thousands of drivers.
Next Steps: As the project progresses, Maryland transportation officials will continue to monitor traffic patterns and provide updates on timelines. Stay tuned for further announcements on this crucial development.
For further information or news tips, contact Benjamin Rothstein at [email protected] or call 443-928-1926.
