Changes coming to RT 76 and
US 15 intersection

Teresa Grable

(4/15) Somewhere down the road residents of Emmitsburg will see changes occurring on US 15

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has started the design stage for a project to improve three intersections along US 15 near Emmitsburg. The intersections are near MD 76 (Motters Station Road). At this time, the project is in the early stages. It is funded for design only and construction has not been funded or scheduled.

This spring drivers may have noticed markers along US 15 in that area. The markers are part of a surveying effort by SHA’s design consultant to gather information. They are determining the project’s potential limits and right-of-way impacts.

The purpose of this project is to widen US 15. By widening US 15 SHA will add acceleration lanes and left turn lanes at the intersections of US 15 and Orndorff Road/Saint Anthony Road, Motters Station Road, and College Lane.

At the same time, other changes will be made at US 15 and Motters Station Road. The intersection would be altered to prohibit left-turn movements from Motters Station Road onto US 15. SHA states that this change is due to traffic volumes and safety considerations.

This new configuration is known as the "J Turn" treatment. Vehicles that wish to turn left off of Motters Station Road onto US 15 would first have to turn right onto US 15. They will then have to U-turn at the nearby College Lane or Orndorff Road intersections. SHA believes the new left-turn and acceleration lanes will provide a safe area for the U-turning vehicles.

At this time SHA states the design portion of this project is approximately 65 percent complete. As the planning process moves forward, SHA will reach out to the community. They will share the design and they welcome any input from drivers and residents in the area.