To say that Maryland Route 404 (MD 404) was in serious need of expansion is an understatement. During the summer months, daily vehicular traffic swells more than 25 percent, going from 18,000 vehicles to 23,000 vehicles using the Shore Highway to travel to and from the Delmarva Region. And that’s not all. Vehicle collision rates along MD 404 were also higher than the state average, making the two-lane road a safety concern as well.
An innovative approach transformed the congested and hazardous 9.2 mile stretch between US 50 to east of Holly Road in Denton, Maryland into a modern and safe four-lane divided highway.
To tackle the $110 million design-build project for the Maryland Stage Highway Administration, ABC member firm Allan Myers, Inc., participated in a joint venture, known as the 404 Corridor Safety Constructors, with David A. Bramble, Inc, member of ABC Chesapeake Shores Chapter and Wagman Heavy Civil Inc., member of ABC Baltimore, which served as the project manager.
Each partner was responsible for one third of the project to complete it within the unprecedented 18-month timeframe, before Thanksgiving 2017. Allan Myers’ expansion work included implementing innovative “J” Turn and Continuous Green “T” intersections to eliminate crossover movements and unprotected left turns from side streets. Additional improvements included tie-ins with existing dualized roadways; a bridge over Norwich Creek; roadway culvert crossings; rehabilitated roadway pavement; drainage stormwater management systems; roadway lighting, signing, and pavement markings; and intelligent transportation systems.
The MD 404 widening project, which was completed on time and in budget, has earned the praise and attention of more than just commuters. It received a 2018 America’s Transportation Award, an annual nationwide competition sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Socrata, part of Tyler Technologies. For its work on the project, Allan Myers also won Project of the Year in the $100 Million and Over category at ABC Chesapeake Shores 2018 Excellence in Construction Awards.