Defense Highway From Crofton To Annapolis Faces Frequent Flooding

CROFTON, MD – Motorists trekking between Crofton and Annapolis along Maryland Route 450 are growing weary of being unable to use the road also known as Defense Highway. A portion of the roadway runs through a low-lying marshy area and the section near three South River tributaries is easily deluged after rainfall.

WTOP investigated the situation and after pulling records from the station’s traffic center for last year, discovered that the road was closed on at least 60 nonconsecutive days due to flooding. Sen. Ed Reilly told WTOP that “this road is the second most frequently closed road in Maryland.” He said he considers it to be a public safety issue because first responders and police officers often must detour around the road closure, which impacts response time.

There also are approximately 30 families residing in the area with school-aged children that school buses will not pick up or drop off at school. WTOP learned that the stretch of highway is still hazardous after floodwaters recede due to sandy sediment, trees, and other residual items left behind. The situation is being investigated by the state department of transportation with possible solutions being considered.