Travelers in Howard County should brace for construction as the Department of Public Works kicks off a roadway maintenance project slated to begin on August 19th. The project aims to extend the life of over 14 miles of county roads in the western region by up to a decade. Crews will employ a "chip seal" technique, applying liquid asphalt emulsion and covering it with fine stone, which rubber tire rollers will embed into the emulsion. This process is expected to wrap up in mid-September, as reported by a Howard County press release.

"This vital resurfacing project ensures we are proving reliable and accessible transportation to our residents and visitors by improving the rideability and lifespan of our County maintained roadways," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball expressed, according to a statement on the county's official website. He also noted the substantial investment made over the last five years, exceeding $53 million in road resurfacing projects, which is a significant uptick from previous periods.

Several roads are on the list for this maintenance work. Motorists and cyclists will need to navigate cautiously around Mount Airy, Woodbine, Sykesville, Clarksville, and Ellicott City areas where the chip sealing takes place. Roads targeted include segments of Winsor Forest Road, Shaffers Mill Road, Shaffersville Road, Mullinix Mill Road, Bushy Park Road, River Road, Broadwater Lane, and Daniels Road.

While these improvements aim to minimize future disruptions, they require short-term sacrifices in traffic flow. The County urges drivers to stay alert in these work zones, reducing speeds and providing ample space between vehicles. Safety, as it stands, is squarely in the hands of every motorist passing through. Concerns or inquiries regarding the project can be addressed by contacting the Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or via email at [email protected].