Howard County Executive Calvin Ball last week announced a $12.5 million investment in road restructuring in the county’s new budget proposal.
The investment would allow the county to resurface up to 90 lane miles of roadway, perform pavement preservation on 75 lane miles, repair up to 20,000 feet of sidewalks, and repair 300 ADA pedestrian ramps.
“Over time our roads naturally deteriorate and it’s imperative we maintain and improve our county roadways to avoid more costly repairs and reconstruction in the future,” Ball said in a statement.
“As our residents travel to work, school, grocery stores, and more, it’s vital they have safe and reliable roads, as we remain dedicated to the very best quality of life in Howard County for all,” he said.
The investment will be the highest level of funding in eight years, the county says.
The county aims to make improvements in areas like Thunder Hill Road, Columbia Gateway Drive, Faulkner Ridge Circle, April Brook Circle, Green Mountain Circle, and the Hawkins Farm neighborhood.
This spring, work will begin at Snowden River Parkway, the Swansfield neighborhood, and McGaw Road.
The $12.5 million investment is part of Ball’s $377.7 million capital projects spending plan for the coming year. The plan also includes major investments in classroom construction and flood control projects in Ellicott City.
If the county’s budget is approved, the total amount invested in roadways over the past four years will climb to $31 million, the county says.
