Definition
Maryland Route 341 (MD 341) is a state highway in Worcester County, Maryland, United States. The route serves as a connector between U.S. Route 50 (US 50) near West Ocean City and Maryland Route 90 (MD 90) near the community of Berlin, following a former alignment of US 50.
Overview
MD 341 runs for approximately 5.7 mi (9.2 km) in an east‑west direction. The highway is primarily a two‑lane undivided road known locally as Old Ocean City Road. It provides access to residential areas, agricultural lands, and local businesses, and it functions as a secondary route for traffic between the Ocean City metropolitan area and the interior of Worcester County.
Etymology/Origin
The designation “341” follows Maryland’s numbering system for state highways, where numbers in the 300 series are generally assigned to minor routes in the Eastern Shore region. The name “Old Ocean City Road” reflects the highway’s historical role as the original alignment of US 50 before the construction of the modern four‑lane Ocean Gateway freeway.
Characteristics
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Route description
- Western terminus: MD 341 begins at a partial interchange with US 50 (Ocean Gateway) near the community of West Ocean City.
- Course: The highway proceeds eastward as a two‑lane road, passing through mixed residential and agricultural landscapes. It intersects several local roads, including MD 346 (Old Ocean City Road) and local county routes that provide access to smaller hamlets.
- Eastern terminus: MD 341 ends at an intersection with MD 90 (Ocean City Expressway) just west of Berlin, where traffic can continue toward the city of Ocean City or the county seat of Snow Hill via MD 90.
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Physical features
- The roadway is paved with asphalt and maintained by the Maryland State Highway Administration.
- The route includes standard roadway features such as curbs, shoulders, and drainage ditches, consistent with typical two‑lane rural highways in the state.
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Historical development
- The alignment that MD 341 now occupies was originally part of US 50 when the U.S. highway was routed through Worcester County.
- In the 1960s, a new limited‑access freeway (the present US 50) was constructed to improve travel between the Eastern Shore and the rest of Maryland. The former alignment was redesignated as MD 341 to retain its local connectivity function.
- Subsequent improvements have included resurfacing, safety upgrades, and the addition of turn lanes at key intersections.
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Traffic and usage
- MD 341 carries an average daily traffic volume ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 vehicles, according to recent Maryland State Highway Administration traffic counts.
- The route is used chiefly by local commuters, agricultural vehicles, and tourists seeking an alternative to the main freeway.
Related Topics
- U.S. Route 50 in Maryland – The primary east‑west corridor that bypasses the MD 341 alignment.
- Maryland Route 90 – The Ocean City Expressway that connects MD 341 to the city of Ocean City.
- Worcester County, Maryland – The county in which MD 341 is located, noted for its agricultural economy and coastal tourism.
- Maryland State Highway Administration – The agency responsible for the maintenance and administration of MD 341 and other state routes.
References
- Maryland State Highway Administration, Route Log and Mileage Tables.
- Maryland Department of Transportation, Historical Highway Maps, 1960‑1970.
- Traffic Count Data, Worcester County, MD (2023).