Concerns Rise Over Safety at Rt. 30 and Bortner/Dover Intersection in Upperco

Recent roadwork at the intersection of Bortner and Dover Roads with Maryland Route 30 in Upperco has raised safety concerns among local drivers. While the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) initiated the $1.1 million project to enhance safety, many residents believe the construction has instead created additional dangers.

Residents Carl Holland and Frank Brown frequently navigate this intersection and have noted ongoing visibility issues with oncoming traffic. Holland remarked that the situation has worsened, stating, 'I try to avoid it; it was a bad intersection, but this is definitely worse.'

The SHA's construction plan, announced in March, includes milling, leveling, and resurfacing of the asphalt, installing new signage and pavement markings, replacing the yellow flashing signal, upgrading drainage outfalls, and constructing new curb and gutters. However, Holland points out that the elevation changes have made it increasingly difficult to see traffic approaching from the south when driving north on Route 30.

Brown echoed these concerns, explaining that drivers attempting to turn left into Bortner face challenges due to limited visibility. 'You can't see [oncoming traffic] until you pop over the hill,' he said. Furthermore, the new construction has reduced the space available for maneuvering around vehicles waiting to turn onto Route 30.

Drivers at the intersection now encounter a blinking red light, causing them to inch forward while looking for a gap in traffic, which further complicates the situation. Holland expressed his fears about the potential for serious accidents, stating, 'If there is an accident, someone's gonna end up in a ditch.'

Holland has reached out to the SHA regarding these issues and received a response indicating that an engineering review would take approximately 60 days. He questioned the timeline, suggesting that the site plans should have been prepared prior to construction.

The SHA has stated that this project is part of their Serious About Safety initiative, with an expected completion date by the end of the year. WMAR-2 News has followed up with the SHA to address the concerns raised by residents and is awaiting a response.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).