🍦Relief Ahead on I-97: $114M Project Underway

Good morning, Annapolis. We’re wrapping our heads around the 6-7 slang meaning, which is "so-so" or "go away.” One thing’s for sure, we’ll never say that to our readers. Come along for today’s news.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, & Duffy Perkins

If you’ve ever sat in traffic on I-97, you won’t be surprised by Maryland Department of Transportation’s estimation there are 113K vehicles driving along it every day — and that number could go up to 135K in 9 years. So MDT has announced plans to widen I-97 between Rt. 32 in Millersville and Rt. 50/301 in Annapolis. About 7 miles of road will get 2 additional lanes, one in each direction. The project will cost $114 million, and Anne Arundel County plans to contribute $10.6 million.

But like any other big project, this won’t happen fast. The state plans to start designs and secure a contract in 2027. Actual construction won’t happen until 2028. As for when it will be finished? That’s still TBD. Big projects take time to plan, design, and secure funding. Maybe we’ll see a wider I-97 by the 2030s. ($)

Creating significant buzz even before the auction began, this extraordinary Severn River Island estate has officially sold ahead of its auction date — proving that truly remarkable properties don’t wait for the bidding to begin.

Whether it’s a cozy coastal cottage, a luxury waterfront home on Crab Creek, or a rare private island escape, The Brad Kappel Team remains the region’s top choice for all things waterfront in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and across the Chesapeake Bay.

Discover why discerning buyers and sellers trust Maryland’s #1 Waterfront Team to deliver exceptional results — from first showing to final sale.

Baltimore’s Key Bridge accident in March 2024 make you reticent to cross the Bay Bridge? We have comforting news. Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) hosted a forum with industry professionals to discuss the Bay Bridge Protection Project, which addresses enhanced protection for the Bridge. Don’t worry — the current structure is sound and up to federal safety standards. But this project aims to enforce the pier by adding 16 dolphins (that is, groups of pilings). These dolphins protect the main span piers, both eastbound and westbound.

Over 140 engineering firms, contractors, and suppliers attended the meeting hoping to be part of this industrious project. Work is set to begin Spring 2027 at an estimated cost of $177 million. Keeping us safe, however, is priceless.

Western Shore Veterinary Hospital offers your pets the finest wellness care, state-of-the-art diagnostics, dental treatment, and surgery ranging from spays/neuters to sophisticated treatments. You can find them online, by phone at 443-936-0660, or at 910C Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Hold onto your hats — this playful pup will blow you away! Windy is a not-quite-2-year-old Doberman Pinscher mix with a stunning rust (dare we say rose-colored?) coat. She also has a sweet nature and endless energy. Re: Windy has major puppy energy. Impressively, she’s house-trained, spayed, and learning her leash manners fast. Consider her a bonus security system, too. Windy’s breed ranks among one of the world’s finest protection dogs. Ready for a loyal and loving whirlwind of fun? Hurry to the SPCA and make Windy yours before someone else does.

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In our case, the early bird gets the best soup. Thanks to our readers who shared their favorite soup spots bright and early yesterday morning. Our lunch was much tastier thanks to y’all. 😋

“My go-to soup in the Annapolis area is the Phở Tái at Saigon Palace in Edgewater. It’s the one I crave more than other soups I’ve tried around here.” — Brandon Walker

Giolitti at Annapolis Town Center is a Scoop go-to. We appreciate Eleanor NamHari letting us know we need to try their Minestrone (served with their house bread). 🥖

This isn’t on the Annapolis-based Grapes Wine Bar & Restaurant’s current menu, but when the Chicken Soup comes back, we’re trying it. As Corine Sheridan says, “It is heavenly, full of chicken and vegetables, and goes great with their Truffle Fries.”

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

We’re excited to announce StretchMed Gambrills is now open in The Village of Waugh Chapel! Alongside our Annapolis studio, we’re your go-to destination for assisted stretching in Anne Arundel County.

Our mission is simple: help you move better, feel better, and live better. Each guided session supports joint health, improves flexibility, and helps prevent injuries—making it more than a quick fix, but an investment in long-term wellness.

Member Linda says: “It’s a great experience—I highly recommend it! Within months, I no longer had pain or a limp, my flexibility improved, and my posture is better.”

Book your FREE intro stretch in Annapolis or Gambrills today!

The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade may be 52 days away, but we love it so much we’ll seize any excuse to talk about it. Come celebrate creativity, community, and holiday spirit at the EYC Lights Parade Artists’ Reception on Thursday, October 23, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, at CRAB’s new waterfront facility on Back Creek in Annapolis. Meet the 2025 art contest finalists, sip wine, craft beer, or a signature cocktail, and enjoy tasty bites. View new submissions, past winners, and then toast this year’s grand prize winner. Come for the art, stay for the party — and kick off the countdown to one of Annapolis’s brightest nights. Grab tickets.

For 25 years, the Coastal Conservation Association’s Annapolis chapter has worked to improve the water from the waterline up. The group’s October fundraiser brings together recreational fishermen to discuss ways they can do more to conserve, promote, and enhance marine resources for all bay residents. And, of course, oysters will be served. Get involved today: 5:30 PM on Oct. 30 at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Philip Merrill Center, 6 Herndon Ave., Annapolis.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Join Anne Arundel Young Life on Thursday, November 20, for their signature gala at the Fluegel Alumni Center, made possible by the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation. Enjoy cocktails, a gourmet dinner, and exciting auctions — all in “Starry Night Chic” style. Proceeds support Young Life’s mission to reach local teens with hope, purpose, and community. Get your tickets here. RSVP by October 30th.*

At Royal Flush, we’re proud to rent the best restroom trailers in Maryland. Whether it’s a few week renovation or a six-month semi-permanent solution, we have what you need. Our luxury restroom trailers are air-conditioned, heated, and boast running water. We stock them with brand-name soaps, lotions, and amenities and keep them cleaner than anyone else. So when you need temporary restrooms (even if you need them tomorrow), call Royal Flush.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

65 🌡️ 47 | 🌤️ | 8% | 💨 W 14 mph (12 knots)

63 🌡️ 46 | 🌤️ | 3% | 💨 W 14 mph (12 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 63ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | Dave Chappell & Friends | 5–7 PM
49 West | Gary Wright, Leah Weiss & Caleb Stine | 7:45–10 PM
Brian Boru | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Johnny Poluos | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 6–9 PM
The Point | Aaron Hawkins | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | A.J. Croce | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Shawn Owens | 4:30 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | George Jano | 9:30 PM

49 West | The Jonathan Epley Guitar Trio | 7:30–11 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Stephen Henson | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Ray Wroten | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | August West | 6–9 PM
Market House | Laura Brino | 6–9 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Mark Hopkins | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Bryan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | GA-20 and Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Steve & Victoria | 4:30 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Benfield Rush Band | 6 PM

Look out, college football. Navy is closing in on a Top 25 ranking, earning 28 AP poll votes, effectively placing them No. 30 nationally. Side(line) Note: The AP poll got a nearly complete makeover Sunday after nine Top 25 teams lost. The Mids are one of six unbeaten FBS teams, including No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Indiana, No. 3 Texas A&M, No. 7 Georgia Tech, and No. 11 BYU. Navy is the only one not ranked in the Top 25.

Navy (6-0) aims for a 7-0 start — the first since 1978 and only fifth time in program history — when they host Florida Atlantic Saturday (10/25) at 3:30 PM in Annapolis. Did we mention it’s also homecoming? The stakes are high.

The Mids ride a nine-game winning streak (tied with BYU for second-longest in FBS), plus lead the nation in rushing offense (305 yards per game) and time of possession. FAU (3-4) plays fast but struggles against the run, giving Navy an edge. It’s their first meeting of the two as American Conference members. ($)

P.S. Go Navy, Beat FAU! 📣

Men's Soccer (3-6-6)
10/21 vs. Longwood | T 2-2

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Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who can’t stop raving about a zero wait time for their annual flu shot. 💉