New Roadway Alignment Benefits Businesses and Residents, Opens Up the Appalachian Region for Economic Development and Enhanced Safety
The Hogan administration today announced the official start of the long-awaited highway construction for the US 219 (Chestnut Ridge Road) Realignment project. The new 1.4-mile highway will be built between Interstate 68 (National Freeway) and Old Salisbury Road. This $61.5 million project has been a top Garrett County transportation priority for decades and officially begins construction today.
“This project has been a top priority for Senator Edwards, Delegate Beitzel, local leaders, businesses, and residents of Garrett County for decades,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We are proud to be delivering this important project with the realignment of US Route 219 – enhancing safety, supporting economic development, and encouraging tourism here in Garrett County and all across Western Maryland. Today is another example that we have been doing exactly what we said we would do.”
Today, the two-lane US 219 highway between I-68 and Old Salisbury Road is home to businesses and residents. As future development is planned in the Appalachian Region, improving the US 219 Corridor will provide an opportunity for economic development, enhanced safety, and connectivity.
This breakout project is derived from the planning and environmental linkages study that evaluated the US 219 Corridor in the tri-state area. The new four-lane highway will have two 12-foot lanes, an 8-foot inside shoulder, and a 10-foot outside shoulder in each direction. It will be constructed west of existing US 219, which will later be established as US 219 Business. Construction is beginning at the I-68 exit ramps to US 40 Alternate and the US 219 Bridge over US 219.
“This important project is another step in the full development of the Appalachian Development Highway System and a great example of all government levels working together,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Greg Slater. “This project has been a high priority for travelers for decades, and will benefit travel and commerce in the entire region.”
Once complete in summer 2021, the newly constructed US 219 will provide commuters and through traffic with new travel lanes, two roundabouts, and turn lanes at key locations. Today, the roadway carries 4,400 vehicles each day and is expected to increase to 5,500 vehicles a day by the year 2040.