10-05-2025
Project to extend several entrance ramps along U.S 340
The design process has begun for a project to lengthen three entrance ramps along U.S. 340 in southern Frederick County, with construction expected to begin in the fall.
The project will lengthen the acceleration lanes to U.S. 340 by anywhere from 580 to 1,230 feet at:
* Md. 17 in both directions
* Md. 180 in both directions
* northbound U.S. 15 to eastbound U.S. 340
The current ramps provide minimal space and sight distance for vehicles merging onto U.S. 340, which has a speed limit of 65 mph, according to an SHA web site tracking projects around the state.
The period of advertising for contractors to bid on the project opened in April, and the project is currently in the design phase, according to the site.
The project is estimated to cost $17 million, SHA spokeswoman Shantee Felix wrote in an email Friday.
But that could change depending on the bids that the state receives from contractors, Felix wrote.
Frederick County Council Member Jerry Donald, whose district includes the areas where the ramps will be extended, said the problems with the ramps have been discussed for years, and he's glad to see the state moving forward with the project.
The current ramps do not provide enough room for drivers to get up to speed, he said.
'It just was not built for the traffic that is happening right now,' Donald said.
— Ryan Marshall
