SHA Responds to Elkridge-Casino Sign Questions

A new southbound I-95 sign placed prior to Route 100 that juxtaposes "Elkridge" and "Maryland Live Casino" has been attracting attention among .

Some bemoaned the listing of a private business on a State Highway Administration sign.

"The state should not be advertising private businesses on highway signs," one user wrote. "If the casino gets the state to make them a sign, then I say should get equal treatment."

Another user added, "Cindy's is Elkridge...the casino is not."

Some said the sign should identify the casino as being in Hanover, where it is located, in Anne Arundel County.

David Buck, the State Highway Administration's spokesman, told Patch that the current signage "makes sense," and here's why.

Q: Why does “Maryland Live! Casino” share a sign with “Elkridge”?

A: The goal of any sign is to provide clear information to motorists. The sign on I-95 provides the specific exit (43A) to use off of I-95 south to get to both Elkridge and the . Since motorists access Elkridge off of US 1, which is the first exit east of I-95, it makes sense to include both Elkridge and Maryland Live! casino as logical locations heading east onto MD 100 from I-95 S.

Q: Aren’t green signs normally reserved for locations, not businesses?

A: The green sign color is used since Maryland Live! casino is a destination. Similar signs are in place for FedEx Field off of I-95 in Landover and the Perryville Casino off of I-95 in Cecil County. Blue signs are used for specific services (gas, restaurants). 

Q: Did the casino have to meet certain criteria to get on the green sign?

A: Maryland Live! is considered a major traffic generator, with a large proportion of traffic potentially from out of town. There is no “application”; it is standard to provide clear signing on the roads (i.e., MD 295, MD 100, MD 713–Ridge Road, I-95) to direct traffic to specific destinations. There were 10 new signs added on the roads mentioned...to direct motorists to the new Maryland Live! casino, a major traffic generator that sits immediately off of two SHA maintained roads, MD 100 and MD 295.

Q: Have you heard from motorists that there has been confusion about the sign?

A: No. We did receive one call from a citizen that was upset about their perception that Elkridge was associated with the casino.

Q: Who should citizens contact to discuss the sign further?

A: If anyone would like to contact SHA, they can do so by logging onto www.roads.maryland.gov then clicking on the "Contact Us" button on the left and filling out a simple non-emergency customer request form.