North Laurel Connections

kids in bike lane  Picture - People Biking

Project Overview

The goal of this project is to develop an enhanced bicycle connection from the Patuxent Branch Trail trailhead at Savage Park to the North Laurel Community Center continuing to the Laurel Race Track MARC Station and the Laurel MARC Station,  including a shared use pathway to improve access and connections across an existing utility right of way.

Final Design Plans

Final design plans can be viewed here.

In 2020, Howard County received a $510,000 grant through Maryland Bikeways for construction of portions of the North Laurel Connections Project. Construction is expected to be completed in 2022.

Community Meeting, February 2020

The Office of Transportation hosted an open-house style community meeting on February 12, 2020 at Savage Branch Library to present revised concept plans for the full route and design plans for the two pathway segments of the North Laurel Connections pedestrian and bicycle project.

Key changes from the designs previously presented include:

  • Proposed revisions to pavement markings on Knights Bridge Road to better accommodate parking
  • Revised pathway alignment across the BGE right-of-way to increase the distance from homes along Ridings Way
Materials presented at the Community Meeting can be viewed here:

Previous Project History and Background

A public meeting in November 2015 allowed community members to identify preferred on/off road improvements that would provide needed access to local communities and a multi modal transportation link between North Laurel and Savage Park. The result of this mapping exercise has guided the development of the North Laurel Connections plan, and will guide the connectivity improvements, which are proposed to include a short pathway connection, sharrows, bike lanes and signage to guide cyclists and connect to destinations in the south. In November 2017, Howard County received a grant to advance the project to final design. This project phase is now underway, and will include more opportunities for the public to comment on the proposal.

Key Tasks Status/Date
30% Design Grant Awarded Complete
Open House November 17, 2015
2nd Open House with 30% Design Plans June 15, 2016
Finalize 30% Design Plans August 2016
Submit 30% Design report December 2016
Final Design Grant Awarded November 2017

Project Documents


30% Design Documents

North Laurel Connections 30% Design

North Laurel Connections Wayfinding Package

June 15, 2016 Meeting Material

North Laurel Connections Trail Connection

North Laurel Connections Signage

North Laurel Connections Overall Route

November 17, 2015 Open House Material

North Laurel Connections – Options Map

North Laurel Connections- Options

North Laurel Connections Presentation 11-17-15

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