OWINGS MILLS, Md. (WJZ) –  A 30-year plan to link two parts of Baltimore County is one mile closer to reality.

Mike Schuh reports on the opening of a highway, one not wanted by the immediate neighbors.

It was a joyous moment for the Baltimore County Executive since the new road had its roots to the 1980s.  That’s when the county bought the land for this particular extension of Owings Mills Boulevard.   

“We think it was the right decision for traffic management and economic development purposes.  I’m proud of the Lyonswood community who understands why we have to do this,” said Kevin Kamenetz, Baltimore County Executive.

Fourteen years ago, the Lyonswood neighborhood was built. The new road cuts the community in half.

Though their sales paperwork informed them a road could be built, off camera, residents told WJZ that the developer never spoke about its construction, even though it was on the drawing boards. 

Kamenetz addressed their sacrifice.

“And this will help connect Owings Mills New Town with Liberty Road and that is the greater good so to speak, not only for traffic management but for economic development opportunities,” said Kamenetz.

Right now each half of the new mile is just one lane each way.  Once houses are built on a large open tract, the developer will pay for the next two lanes.

The money to design the next phase is in place.  Those plans are currently being drawn out.

There’s one more stretch still left to open. It goes from Winands over to Liberty Road.

The county promised local residents that they will see a heavy police presence keeping speeds low on the new highway.