On September 10, 2025, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the State Highway Administration unveiled a $32.4 million investment in the Draft Fiscal Year 2026-2031 Consolidated Transportation Program to enhance safety and accessibility along a .7-mile stretch of MD 5 (Point Lookout Road) in St. Mary’s County. The project, spanning from MD 471 (Indian Bridge Road) to MD 246 (Great Mills Road) in the Great Mills area, addresses growing traffic demands and safety concerns in a corridor critical to local residents, commuters, and businesses. With utility relocations already underway, construction is slated to begin in 2027, bolstered by a $5 million federal contribution secured by U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer and the Maryland Congressional Delegation
The initiative responds to the rapid residential and commercial growth in Great Mills, a hub connecting Lexington Park, Leonardtown, and major employment centers like Patuxent River Naval Air Station. MD 5, a vital north-south artery, carries over 30,000 vehicles daily, serving commuters, school traffic, and commercial transport. “Improving safety and mobility for all roadway users—whether they travel by car, bicycle, or on foot—is at the heart of MDOT’s commitment to communities,” said Acting Maryland Transportation Secretary Samantha J. Biddle during a public event on September 10 at the St. Mary’s River bridge. The project aligns with MDOT’s Complete Streets policy and Serious About Safety initiative, emphasizing safer, more inclusive infrastructure.
Project Scope and Features
The MD 5 improvements target a critical segment of the roadway, incorporating several upgrades to enhance functionality and safety. Key components include:
- Bridge Replacement: The 112-year-old St. Mary’s River bridge, last reconstructed in the 1950s, will be replaced to meet modern structural standards, improving safety for the high volume of daily traffic.
- Roadway Expansion: MD 5 will be widened from a two-lane to a four-lane undivided roadway, increasing capacity to accommodate current and projected traffic growth in the Great Mills area.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Access: The project includes 5-foot-wide bicycle lanes and 5-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of MD 5, equipped with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps to ensure accessibility for all users.
- Pedestrian Safety: New pedestrian crossing signals will be installed to enhance safety at key intersections, addressing concerns for foot traffic in this busy corridor.
- Environmental Improvements: Upgraded drainage systems and new stormwater management facilities will mitigate flooding risks and improve environmental sustainability, aligning with state infrastructure goals.
These enhancements reflect a comprehensive approach to modernizing MD 5, ensuring it meets the needs of a growing community while prioritizing safety and accessibility. “Every element of our transportation network is critical to ensure every Marylander has access to work, school, shopping, health care, recreation, and other opportunities that enhance our quality of life,” said State Highway Administrator Will Pines at the announcement event. Pines joined state and local officials to highlight the project’s role in supporting St. Mary’s County’s economic vitality.
Local Impact and Community Support
The MD 5 project has garnered strong support from local leaders, who view it as a cornerstone of infrastructure development in St. Mary’s County. State Delegate Brian Crosby (District 29B), who attended the event, emphasized its significance: “This is going to have a direct impact on so many people each and every single solitary day. For our growing community, I really do think, countywide, this is the No. 1 infrastructure project and the most important infrastructure project to improve the citizens’ quality of life.” State Delegate Todd Morgan (District 29C), representing St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, added, “We are looking forward to getting this project started,” underscoring the urgency of addressing the corridor’s needs.
The Great Mills area, situated near major employment hubs like Patuxent River Naval Air Station and local schools, has seen significant growth in recent years. The naval base alone employs thousands, contributing to heavy daily traffic on MD 5. The road also serves as a critical route for residents accessing retail, healthcare, and recreational facilities in Lexington Park and Leonardtown. The planned upgrades aim to reduce congestion, improve safety for non-motorized users, and support the region’s economic expansion.
Funding and Timeline
The $32.4 million allocation from MDOT’s Consolidated Transportation Program is supplemented by $5 million in federal funds, highlighting a collaborative effort between state and federal governments. Congressman Hoyer’s role in securing the federal contribution underscores the project’s priority status, as identified by St. Mary’s County officials. Utility relocations, a preliminary step, are already in progress, with construction expected to commence in 2027. The timeline reflects careful planning to minimize disruptions while ensuring the project meets modern engineering and environmental standards.
MDOT’s investment aligns with the Moore-Miller Administration’s broader commitment to improving Maryland’s transportation network. The administration has prioritized projects that enhance safety, reliability, and economic growth while maintaining infrastructure in a state of good repair. The MD 5 project exemplifies these goals, addressing both immediate safety concerns and long-term regional development needs.
Broader Context and Regional Significance
The MD 5 improvements are part of MDOT’s ongoing efforts to modernize Southern Maryland’s transportation infrastructure. St. Mary’s County, with a population of approximately 114,000 as of recent estimates, relies heavily on key routes like MD 5 to connect its rural and suburban communities. The Great Mills corridor, in particular, has experienced increased traffic due to its proximity to employment centers and new residential developments. The project’s focus on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure also responds to growing demand for multimodal transportation options, reflecting national trends toward inclusive urban planning.
Historically, MD 5 has served as a lifeline for Southern Maryland, connecting coastal communities to inland hubs. The St. Mary’s River bridge, originally constructed in 1913, has long been a bottleneck, with its outdated design unable to handle modern traffic volumes. Its replacement is a critical step toward ensuring the corridor’s reliability for decades to come. Additionally, the project’s stormwater management upgrades address environmental concerns, as Southern Maryland’s low-lying areas are prone to flooding during heavy rains.
The initiative also complements other regional projects, such as recent upgrades to MD 235 in Lexington Park, which have aimed to improve traffic flow and safety near Patuxent River Naval Air Station. By integrating bicycle lanes and ADA-compliant features, the MD 5 project supports St. Mary’s County’s vision for a connected, accessible community, fostering both economic growth and quality of life.
Looking Ahead
As St. Mary’s County continues to grow, the MD 5 improvements will play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s transportation future. The project’s emphasis on safety, accessibility, and sustainability addresses the immediate needs of Great Mills while laying the groundwork for long-term development. With construction set to begin in 2027, residents and commuters can anticipate a safer, more efficient corridor that supports the county’s evolving needs.
For more details on the MD 5 Great Mills project, visit the Maryland Department of Transportation’s project page. The initiative stands as a testament to collaborative efforts among state, federal, and local leaders to enhance Southern Maryland’s infrastructure for all its residents.