State and local officials gathered on an empty road ramp in Columbia Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the North-South Connector “jug handle” meant to improve access to the Merriweather District.
“From improvements in infrastructure and housing to investments in cultural landmarks, together we are delivering on a downtown design for the growing of people,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said.
The exit connects the U.S. Route 29/Broken Land Parkway interchange to Little Patuxent Parkway, bringing direct access to the district from Route 29 North. The project is part of the Downtown Columbia Plan, a 30-year plan for revitalizing and redeveloping the area, including a new central branch for the county library system, a cultural center and housing requirements. The plan, which is part of the county’s general plan, was adopted in 2010 and amended in 2016…