The State Highway Administration will hold a public meeting Wednesday night on its plan to widen a U.S. 29 in Howard County.

The agency will discuss design plans for the stretch of U.S. 29 between the Middle Patuxent River and Llittle Patuxent Parkway (Route 175, the only remaining two-lane section of the highway between Montgomery County and Interstate 70. The plan, which the SHA says will improve safety and relieve congestion, includes improved access to Gales Lane, Old Columbia Road and Rivers Edge Road.

The meeting will take place between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Hammond High School, 8800 Guilford Road in Columbia. SHA employees will be there to explain design alternatives and accept public comments.