MD 18 is a state highway in Queen Anne's County that connects Kent Island to the mainland Eastern Shore. MD 18 was original to this road when road numbering began, but part of this route became part of MD 404 and, more recently, US 50 following the completion of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. US 50 was moved to a new highway and MD 18 was once again routed along its former route in the 1950's. Today, it serves as a local alternative to US 50/US 301.

Eastbound

Photographed section is from MD 8 in Stevensville to US 50 junction in Queenstown.

From its intersection with MD 8, MD 18 turns in Stevensville and continues east. We get a sign that welcomes us to Stevensville as part of the Chesapeake Country National Scenic Byway. Beyond Stevensville, we approach a roundabout for Castle Marina Road.

'Welcome to Stevensville' on MD 18 East [Stevensville, MD]

MD 18 East confirming marker approaching Castle Marina Road [Stevensville, MD]

MD 18 East @ Castle Marina Road, to US 50 West [Stevensville, MD]

Taken March 29, 2024

Past Castle Marina Road, we get a couple more intersections that take us to US 50/US 301 (don't forget about 301!) We soon cross over US 50/US 301 and follow along the south side of the highway. We also pass Postal Road, a former alignment of MD 18 prior to US 50/US 301 becoming an expressway. As we continue into Chester, we approach MD 552 (Dominion Road) with yet another opportunity to return to US 50/US 301.

MD 18 East assembly in MD 18/Castle Marina Road roundabout [Stevensville, MD]

MD 18 East confirming marker past Castle Marina Road [Chester, MD]

MD 18 East to US 50 East confirming marker past Piney Creek Road [Chester, MD]

'Welcome to Chester' on MD 18 East [Chester, MD]

MD 18 East @ Postal Road to US 50 East [Chester, MD]

Marina guide sign on MD 18 East @ MD 552 [Chester, MD]

MD 18 East @ MD 552 to US 50 East [Chester, MD]

Taken March 29, 2024

Passing MD 552, we enter a more rural section of Chester and soon enter Kent Narrows. There are a few more opportunites to return to US 50/US 301 before we reach the Kent Narrows proper.

MD 18 East confirming marker past S Piney Road [Chester, MD]

High Water sign on MD 18 East [Chester, MD]

MD 18 East @ US 50 East [Chester, MD]

MD 18 East @ Piney Narrows Rd to, US 50 West [Kent Narrows, MD]

Taken March 29, 2024

We now reach the Kent Narrows Drawbridge, now officially called the Watermen's Memorial Bridge. It was named such in 2011 in honor of the many watermen who have worked along the Kent Narrows and throughout the Chesapeake Bay.

MD 18 East cofirming marker past Piney Narrows Road [Kent Narrows, MD]

MD 18 East at the Watermans Memorial Bridge [Kent Narrows, MD]

Waterman's Memorial Bridge (Kent Narrows Bridge) [Kent Narrows, MD]

Taken March 29, 2024

Passing over the Kent Narrows, we reach a few more roads that lead to US 50/US 301. MD 18 quickly enters Grasonville soon after these interchanges.

MD 18 East @ Kent Narrows Way [Kent Narrows, MD]

MD 18 East confirming marker past Kent Narrows Road, to US 50 East [Kent Narrows, MD]

MD 18 East @ Kent Narrows Road S to US 50 East [Grasonville, MD]

'Welcome to Grasonville' on MD 18 East [Grasonville, MD]

Taken March 29, 2024

MD 18 continues eastward through Grasonville where we get another intersection with US 50 East. We FINALLY get a mention of US 301 as we approach Chester River Beach Road. It's the only mention of US 301 on this entire stretch of road (as far as I'm aware).

MD 18 East approaching US 50 East [Grasonville, MD]

MD 18 East @ US 50 East [Grasonville, MD]

MD 18 East confirmation marker past US 50 [Grasonville, MD]

MD 18 East near Chester River Beach Road, to US 50/US 301 [Grasonville, MD]

MD 18 East @ Chester River Beach Road, to US 50 [Grasonville, MD]

Taken March 29, 2024

MD 18 now continues through even more rural Eastern Shore landscapes before approaching Nesbit Road. Here, you can hop on - you guessed it - US 50/301. You can also go to the newer University of Maryland Shore Hospital Center, the main hospital for the Kent Island area and the only one in Queen Anne's County. We also see a weird "Watch for Peds" sign that's probably not MUTCD compliant.

MD 18 East confirming marker past Evans Avenue [Grasonville, MD]

'Watch for Peds' warning sign on MD 18 East

MD 18 East @ Nesbit Road, to US 50 [Grasonville, MD]

Taken March 29, 2024

Past Nesbit Road, MD 18 quiets down until it reaches and intersects US 50 (no longer concurrent with US 301). To continue straight onto MD 18 East, you have to turn onto US 50 East and make a u-turn at the following intersection onto US 50 West, and then turn onto MD 18 East. The last sign should technically not be a "TO US 50 East", but instead a standard "US 50 East" sign with the other "TO US 50 West" sign being okay. There should also be a "TO MD 18 East" sign in my opinion.

View of MD 18 East [Grasonville, MD]

JCT US 50 along MD 18 East [Queenstown, MD]

MD 18 East @ US 50 East to US 50 West [Queenstown, MD]

Taken March 29, 2024

MD 18 continues straight ahead towards Queenstown; it eventually ends at MD 213 (former US 213) in Centreville.

 continues ahead. End of photographed section.

Return to Other Pages:

Main Page | Maryland | Home

Published April 6, 2024
Updated April 10, 2024