Despite a shortfall in transportation revenue, Maryland is about to launch a $42.6 million intersection improvement project near the Aberdeen Proving Ground - the first project to improve access to the base in preparation for an influx of thousands of workers whose jobs are moving to Harford County under the Pentagon's Base Relocation and Closure program. Gov. Martin O'Malley and other high-ranking officials will gather in Aberdeen on Friday to announce that the State Highway Administration will break ground next fall on a series of upgrades at U.S. 40, Route 715 and other roads near the base. They will include the widening of Route 715, the main road to the base gate, from four lanes to six and an upgrade of the U.S. 40-Route 715 junction to a full interchange. The widening is expected to be complete in 2011 and the rest of the project in 2012.

- Michael Dresser