Input Sought From HoCo Residents About Patapsco Regional Greenway

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County residents are encouraged to provide comments through June 11 regarding a new section of the Patapsco Regional Greenway that runs through Howard County.

In 2017, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board approved a concept plan for the Patapsco Regional Greenway, which will be used by bicyclists, hikers, runners, walkers, and in some locations, equestrians. To date, more than 12 miles of the greenway have been completed. The newest segment would add an additional 8.5 miles to the greenway from Sykesville to the McKeldin Segment.

The Patapsco Regional Greenway maps the main alignment of a 40-mile, shared-use trail traveling through the Patapsco Valley from Sykesville in Carroll County to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The trail, when completed, would pass through or near the communities of Sykesville, Marriottsville, Woodstock, Daniels, Oella, Ellicott City, Catonsville, Elkridge, Halethorpe, Baltimore Highlands and Cherry Hill.

Sykesville to McKeldin Area Project

The Sykesville to McKeldin Segment of the Patapsco Regional Greenway consists of two sections:

• the western portion near downtown Sykesville and
• the eastern portion near the McKeldin area of the Patapsco Valley State Park.

The BRTB seeks feedback on the following sections and alignments:

Section 1: Western Portion: Main Street Sykesville to Freedom Park – The western portion will connect downtown Sykesville shops, dining and residences along Main Street to active and passive recreation opportunities in Freedom Park. There are two alignment alternatives for Section 1 - Western Portion: Main Street to Freedom Park.

• Alignment 1: Sandosky Road: A shared-use trail travels from Main Street in downtown Sykesville, then north along Sandosky Road to Raincliffe/Buttercup Road intersection, and finally into Freedom Park.
• Alignment 2: MD 32: Begins on Main Street in downtown Sykesville and travels south. The shared-use trail crosses the Patapsco River and turns onto West Friendship Road. The trail then turns onto River Road and travels south. The trail re-crosses the Patapsco River along an abandoned vehicular overpass and continues north along MD 32 to rejoin the sidewalk on Raincliffe Road. And finally the trail travels briefly south from the Raincliffe/Buttercup Road intersection into Freedom Park.

Section 2: Eastern Portion: Freedom Park to the McKeldin Area in Patapsco Valley State Park– The eastern portion of the shared-use trail will connect Freedom Park with the McKeldin Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park. There are two alignment alternatives for Section 2 - Eastern Portion: Freedom Park to McKeldin Area.

• Alignment 1: South Branch – Meanders through Patapsco Valley State Park towards the Heart of Maryland Bowhunters Club property. From there, the shared-use trail veers south towards the South Branch of the Patuxent River. The trail then follows the South Branch to Marriottsville Road and crosses Marriottsville Road before ending in the McKeldin area of the Patapsco Valley State Park.
• Alignment 2: Piney Run– Follows the same path as Alignment 1: South Branch until the shared-use trail passes beyond the Heart of Maryland Bowhunters Club property. The trail then travels north up and around the League of Maryland Horsemen property towards Piney Run. The trail veers south and parallels Piney Run until the trail reaches Marriottsville Road. After crossing Marriottsville Road, the trail follows the Alignment 1: South Branch before ending in the McKeldin Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park.

A virtual story map and survey outline the alignment options and offer an opportunity for people to provide feedback. Those interested in commenting also can provide input during a virtual public meeting planned for May 27 at 6:30 p.m. or by email at: M503@publicinput.com, on Twitter @BaltoMetroCo, @BmoreInvolved, or #BRTBlistens, or via text message by sending M503 to 73224.