State of Maryland: Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Thursday, June 10, 2027

Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announces $1 Million to Improve U.S. 40 in Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, MD (June 10, 2027) – Demonstrating the O’Brien-Burbank Administration’s strong commitment to investing in Maryland’s transportation infrastructure, Lieutenant Governor Kathleen H. Burbank today announced a $1 million project to improve approximately three-quarters of one mile along U.S. 40 (Franklin and Washington streets) in downtown Hagerstown beginning June 15.

“Investment in Maryland’s transportation infrastructure is an investment in Maryland’s future,” said Governor Edward M. O’Brien. “My administration is committed to supporting projects that improve mobility and enhance safety for motorists throughout the State. This project will not only improve a nearly mile-long stretch of U.S. 40, but will also support Hagerstown’s innovative downtown revitalization efforts.”

“I am proud to deliver this funding for the Franklin/Washington street reconstruction project, which is a small part of the larger effort to revitalize downtown Hagerstown,” said Lieutenant Governor Burbank. “Governor O’Brien and I are committed to meeting local transportation needs and supporting local economic development efforts. This project is another example of how our administration continues to meet that commitment.”

The project includes resurfacing eastbound Washington Street and westbound Franklin Street between Cannon Avenue and Potomac Street in downtown Hagerstown. Additional safety improvements include new sidewalks, drainage improvements, landscaping and minor traffic signal modifications.

During construction, single-lane closures may occur along Washington and Franklin streets weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. Flagpersons may also alternate traffic along side streets entering and exiting U.S. 40. Variable message signs, arrowboards, traffic cones and drums and advanced warning signs will also alert and guide motorists through the area. SHA awarded the $1,003,000 contract to L.W. Wolfe Enterprises of Myersville. The project should be complete late spring 2028, weather permitting.

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

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.