Hallowing Point Boat Ramp Facility Reopens

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that the Hallowing Point Boat Ramp Facility in Calvert County, closed to the public since the beginning of May, reopened July 27. The facility's ramp and adjacent parking areas underwent extensive renovations and much-needed drainage improvements, and were originally expected to remain closed through August 1. The Hallowing Point Boat Ramp Facility is located on the south side of Maryland Route 231 at the Patuxent River Bridge, in Benedict, Maryland.

Upgrades to the facility included the demolition of the lower parking lot, removal of existing unsuitable subgrade materials, and construction of a new lot complete with improved drainage system. Treatment and compaction of surface stone pavement along with the installation of a water quality device continues at the upper/overflow lot, which currently remains closed.

The Department typically does not close facilities for construction during the boating season; however, poor conditions encountered at the site required the necessary improvements be performed during the summer months. Dry weather, normal tide fluctuations, and lower a groundwater table were essential for this site sensitive work to be completed.

Renovation designs were completed by Century Engineering, Inc. of Towson, Maryland, with the construction performed by Pickens and Sons, Inc. of Clarkesville, Maryland. The project was funded jointly by the Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program.

Posted: 7-31-2000