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MDOT officials meet Dorchester County leaders, outline US50 and MD16 safety plans
Summary
Maryland Department of Transportation officials briefed Dorchester County Council on safety reviews for US50 and MD16, including a Traffic Feasibility Study for US50/MD16 tied to an access permit, possible j-turn conversions on US50 crossovers, and a planned roundabout at RT14 & MD392 (Dockins) with final design slated for FY2028.
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials met with the Dorchester County Council on Oct. 22 to review road and safety projects affecting the county, including potential signal and intersection changes on U.S. 50 and Maryland Route 16 and a planned roundabout at the Dockins intersection.
Deputy Secretary Samantha Biddle led a delegation that included State Highway Administration District 1 Engineer Mark Crampton and other division directors. Crampton said a Traffic Feasibility Study (TFS) is evaluating a full traffic signal at the US50 & MD16 (Mount Holly Road) intersection and that contemplated improvements are linked to an access permit for a proposed Royal Farms location; the proposed solution would create a T-intersection to improve access to eastbound US50.
MDOT officials said the intersection of MD16 and Chateau Road will be re-evaluated after the US50/MD16 changes are complete to assess any downstream impacts. They also reported that crash history at US50 & Linkwood Road does not presently justify a traffic signal but will be monitored.
Officials told the Council they are reviewing crossovers on US50 from Bucktown Road to Mount Holly Road for safety improvements and may convert some crossovers to j-turns to reduce conflict points. A survey has been completed for a roundabout at RT14 & MD392 (Dockins); Crampton said final design is scheduled for FY2028 with advertisement in FY2029.
Resident Dawn Stanley recounted a near-fatal crash at the Dockins intersection during public comment; Mayor Steve Tolley, East New Market, said he was at the scene and described the intersection as dangerous. State Senator Johnny Mautz requested increased US50 communications such as traffic reports on the radio and asked MDOT to develop a long-term management plan. Deputy Secretary Biddle said MDOT will pursue short-term follow-up and increase communication about US50 operations.
MDOT also addressed other local concerns: requests to repave Nealson Street in Hurlock, the handling of noxious weeds on state and county roads, drainage studies (including Eldorado), soil testing related to a James Island dredging project, and pavement material differences — the agency explained that the asphalt mix used on US50 is designed for higher-volume roads and requires higher setting temperatures than mixes used on MD33.
Next steps noted in the meeting: MDOT will follow up with local officials on Nealson Street paving, provide soil and test results for James Island, continue monitoring the Linkwood Road intersection, and provide updates on access permit timing for the US50/MD16 improvements.
