Early Complications
Part of the ongoing growth of the area included a new Walmart Supercenter and related interim roadway improvements. This greatly affected the “base condition” from which Century developed proposed alternatives and complicated utility designations and conceptual storm water design. The project planning study coordinated with and expanded upon recommendations of an SHA feasibility study of potential improvements that accommodated the new Walmart.
Streamlining the Process
The Century team performed key assessments, data collection, and analysis to satisfy the many needs of the ideal design alternative without sacrificing environmental friendliness. By maintaining critical interagency coordination and gathering stakeholder input throughout the study, the team streamlined an inherently extremely complicated process and arrived at several viable potential design conclusions.
Choosing an Alternative
Century developed multiple preliminary alternatives: a “no build” baseline option; two diamond interchange concepts; a full cloverleaf interchange; and hybrid alternatives that modify existing loop ramps and incorporate new ones. Ultimately, a partial cloverleaf design was chosen for potential approval by the Federal Highway Administration, due to its ability to resolve safety issues at I-70 exits and reduce overall congestion.
Project Facts
Owner
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA)
