Washington County is planning to extend Halfway Boulevard to the west from its current terminus at New Gate Boulevard to the Greencastle Pike (MD 63) across from Business Parkway. Construction for the roadway improvements is scheduled to begin in early 2024.
This project will enhance the roadway network and provide road access for future development within the land zoned Highway Interchange (HI) north of I-70 and west of I-81 interchange 5, as well as access to both Interstates for existing and proposed development along MD63 and New Gate Boulevard.
The extension will also provide an alternative for highway traffic when an accident closes part of the nearby Interstate. Halfway Boulevard when complete will parallel I-70 for a four-mile stretch from Exit 24 to Exit 28. This connection in coordination with MD63 also provides a bypass of I-81 from Exit 5 to Exit 6.
The project has been included in the County Capital Improvement Plan and the region’s Long Range Transportation Plan. This is the final section of the plan to connect the traffic from Halfway and Hopewell roads to MD 63 which provides easy access to both Interstate-70 and Interstate-81. The Federal Highway Administration has designated Halfway Boulevard a part of the National Freight Corridor.
Right of way for the road has been dedicated and will create the connection to MD 63 through land zoned HI. Hitachi Rail Manufacturing will be the first development along the new roadway. Walnut Point Heights residents located east of Business Parkway will benefit from direct access to the Halfway area and a signalized intersection at MD63.
Halfway Boulevard Extended will continue as a four-lane road (two lanes in each direction) with a grassed median and planned access points to allow adjacent developments to utilize the roadway. The intersection with MD63 will be signalized and able to handle heavy truck traffic.
A six-foot wide paved shoulder will run the entire length on both sides to accommodate bicycles. Pedestrian crosswalks will be installed at the signal on MD 63 and Halfway Boulevard.
Stormwater management for the project will be handled using bioswales and runoff will be directed to the existing stream. The stream will be crossed using two bottomless arch pipes sized at 45 ft spans to convey the 100 year storm without raising the base flood elevation. The project will be completed without any full road closures or detours.
Washington County will maintain public involvement throughout the project. We encourage residents, business owners/operators, and other project stakeholders to identify and discuss project-related issues. To request a meeting, receive project information, or submit a comment please contact:
Pamela Mohn, Chief of Design
[email protected]
Washington County Division of Engineering
Ph: 240.313.2449 Fax: 240.313.2401
747 Northern Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21742-2723
