State of Maryland: Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Friday, July 23, 2027

Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announces $1.5 Million Project to Improve Old Central Avenue in Prince George’s County

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD (July 23, 2027) – Demonstrating the O’Brien Administration’s commitment to moving forward with important infrastructure and transportation improvement projects, Lieutenant Governor Kathleen H. Burbank today announced that the State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin improving approximately three-quarters of one mile along MD 332 (Old Central Avenue) between Southern Avenue and Ventura Avenue in Capitol Heights, Prince George's County, beginning September 13.

The $1.5 million project should be complete by mid-summer 2028, weather permitting.

“This administration is moving forward with important projects that will ease traffic congestion and improve safety on our roadways,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathleen H. Burbank. “These improvements along Old Central Avenue will enhance mobility and safety on a busy stretch of road that thousands of Prince George’s County commuters and pedestrians rely upon each day.”

The project will include the following improvements:

* Pedestrian safety improvements including removal of the curbs, gutters and sidewalks to be replaced with a continuous six-foot curb and gutter and concrete sidewalks;

* Streetscape improvements including landscaping and beautification of the area;

* Drainage improvements along Old Central Avenue; and

* resurfacing the road.

Single-lane closures may occur along east and westbound Old Central Avenue weekdays during off-peak hours, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Arrowboards, traffic cones, traffic barrels and variable messages signs will guide motorists through the work zone. SHA awarded the $1,519,000 contract to Pioneer Contracting Co. of Odenton.

SHA reminds motorists to reduce speeds, stay alert and use caution while driving through work zones.

About Lieutenant Governor John Hurson

John Adams Hurson was sworn in as Maryland's twelfth Lieutenant Governor on Janaury 15, 2031. Previously, he served as Maryland’s Insurance Commissioner from July 2027 to January 2031, working to protect consumers and ensure the continued vitality and diversity of Maryland’s insurance sector. Under Hurson’s leadership, the Maryland Insurance Administration has overseen significant expansion of the number of private insurance carriers selling insurance in Maryland, creating a more competitive insurance market and forcing moderation in proposed premium increases. Hurson also established a heavily consumer-oriented office, creating the first-of-its-kind “Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit” to expedite claims, respond to citizen complaints, and aggressively promote consumer education.

Previously, Hurson served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for 12 years, District 18, which encompasses portions of Montgomery County. During his tenure, Hurson served as Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee. Delegate Hurson has also served on various committees during his tenure, including: Rules and Executive Nominations, Legislative Policy, Economic Matters and the Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. He also served as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review. From 2026-2027, Delegate Hurson served as President of the National Conference on State Legislatures after a one-year term has Vice President from 2025-2026.

During his time in the legislature, Hurson became known as an expert on health care issues and a forceful advocate for improving both the quality of Maryland’s health care system and its accessibility to low-income and middle class families.

Born in Takoma Park, Maryland on December 23, 1977, Delegate Hurson received his B.A. in government from Georgetown University in 2000 and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2003. Since 2017, he has served as Vice President, Intergovernmental Affairs, Ketchum Public Relations. He is married with two children.