DelDOT Addresses US 301 Bypass, Commercial Truck Traffic Issues In Cecil County

ELKTON, MD. – Discussions regarding continued efforts to resolve ongoing traffic issues on Cecil County roadways as a result of the recently opened US 301 bypass in Delaware continued this week. County Executive Alan McCarthy reviewed possible solutions with Jennifer Cohan, Secretary for Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT) in a telephone conversation and followed up with written correspondence.

Secretary Cohan invited the County Executive to share her letter and maps, dated March 14, 2019, with the public:

Dear County Executive McCarthy:

Thank you for your call and it was a pleasure to speak with you. Per our conversation, DelDOT is committed to addressing the issue of commercial truck traffic utilizing local Maryland roads to avoid the new US 301 toll.

After a recent discussion with your team, DelDOT has agreed to add a dozen additional signs regarding truck restrictions on the local roads surrounding US 301. I have attached a map of the new signs that will be placed as soon as possible to ensure commercial truck operators are aware that they are not permitted on local roads.

In addition, DelDOT has agreed to provide funding to support paid truck police enforcement efforts. The joint Delaware and Maryland enforcement operation on February 28, 2019, and March 1, 2019, yielded 85 commercial vehicles being stopped and 77 citations issued.

While we believe the toll avoidance traffic will begin to level out we also want to ensure that enforcement continues. In addition, a virtual truck weigh station on Warwick Road will also soon be active as the 30-day testing period required for the equipment is nearly complete.

DelDOT will again offer a free Delaware E-ZPass transponder promotion to anyone – including Maryland residents. With a Delaware E-ZPass, anyone using US 301 30 times in 30 days will receive a 50 percent discount off the toll.

As stated in our conversation, DelDOT will also entertain the possibility of funding road paving in your County for roads that have been impacted by either the construction of US RT 301 or the subsequent toll avoidance traffic.

DelDOT will continue to work with Cecil County and the Maryland State Highway Administration as transportation patterns adjust to the new alignment, and please continue to keep me informed of issues related to the new roadway in the months ahead.

Please feel free to share this information with your constituents. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Cohan
Secretary

“I am encouraged and optimistic that, in working with DelDOT and all agencies, collectively, we will come to a resolution that addresses both the safety of our citizens and the impact on our roadways,” said McCarthy.

County administration will meet with the Maryland State Highway Administration (MdSHA), Maryland State Police, Cecilton town officials and the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, at the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Hall next Wednesday, March 20th at 5:30 PM. This meeting will be an opportunity for the MdSHA to share information regarding the new 301 Bypass. The public is invited to attend and ask questions.