It was phased out in late 2023.
Frederick, Md (KM) The US Route 15 project in Frederick has a new lease on life. Funding to widen the highway between I-70 and Route 26 was restored in the Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program. It had been phased out by late 2023.
Frederick County Council President Brad Young says improvements to Route 15 are sorely needed. “We know that Route 15 is a bottleneck that needs to be addressed. But also that traffic pushes down 26 down to 194 so that’s another needed project,” he says.
The County Council on Tuesday approved its Maryland Department of Transportation Priority letter. Full design and construction funding to widen Route 15 by one lane in each direction from Interstate 70 to Route 26 is the top priority. Also on the list was planning and design funding for Route 194 to Devilbiss Bridge Road. The goal is widen Route 194 from two lanes to four lanes.
Young says Route 15 in Frederick is congested during morning and evening rush hours. “It’s busy almost 24/7,” he says “If you drive out in the middle of the day, Route 15 through Frederick is still very congested. It’s only going to continue to get worse and so this is an issue that needs to be solved sooner rather than later. So we’re very appreciative that the governor put it back in the budget. Hopefully, it goes through that process so we can get the project moving forward.”
Governor Wes Moore put $7.4 million in his budget for this project.
Young says efforts will be made by Frederick County’s Legislative Delegation to keep this project in the Consolidated Transportation Program. “Obviously, we have expressed that that is our number one priority. We will certainly be communicating with our delegation which is down in Annapolis, our delegates and senators. And we encourage the public to do so as well,” he says.
I-81 Improvements 
I-81 Improvements Funds were also restored in the Consolidated Transportation Program for Phase Two of the Interstate 81 project. That involves the widening the 3.5-mile section from Routes 63 and 68 to the CSX bridges north of Halfway Boulevard from four to six lanes. Also included are interchange updates, traffic control improvements and enhancements to the stormwater system.
“We are thrilled to see Governor Wes Moore’s proposed budget includes the necessary funding to fully advance Phase 2 of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Project,” says John Barr, President of the Washington County Commissioners, in a statement.. “The project is crucial for enhancing safety, accommodating growing truck volumes and ensuring the continued economic growth of our region. We extend our gratitude to our delegation, county staff, and community partners who worked diligently to make this a reality.”
The amount set aside in the CTP for the I-81 project is $87.5 million.
The Consolidated Transportation Program totals $21.2 billion.
By Kevin McManus