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Maryland highway performance bonds.
From $100.

When you do construction in the State highway right-of-way under an access or utility permit, the Maryland State Highway Administration requires a performance bond guaranteeing the work. The amount is tied to your cost estimate — pricing is 1% of that bond amount, with a $100 minimum. Enter the figure SHA set and see your price.

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Required for work in the State highway right-of-way under an MDOT SHA access or utility permit
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Amount is set from your construction cost estimate — generally rounded up above 150% of the estimate
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1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — enter the amount SHA required to see your exact price.
From $100your bond amountNo credit reviewnot even a soft pullInstantapproval for most
Trusted by industry leaders
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

No underwriting queue for the standard highway performance bond — enter your amount, pay, and file with your permit. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your business details, a short description of the work, the bond amount SHA set, and the effective date — that is the entire application.

INSTANTLY

Issued on the spot

Most applicants are approved instantly — no waiting, and the executed bond is generated as soon as you pay.

SAME DAY

File with the State Highway Administration

Submit the executed bond with your access or utility permit, naming SHA as obligee. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the district office insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the highway performance bond covers

The Maryland State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) issues access and utility permits for work that touches a State highway — new entrances, utility installations, and other construction in the right-of-way — under COMAR Title 11, Subtitle 04. As a condition, the permittee posts a performance bond, letter of credit, or certified check acceptable to the Administration.

The amount is driven by your construction cost estimate: SHA’s rule sets the bond at the next even thousand dollars above 150% of the cost estimate. SHA is named as the obligee and you, the permittee, as principal — the bond guarantees you complete the work to SHA’s standards and restore the right-of-way.

When the work is finished and SHA’s resident maintenance engineer approves it, the bond obligation is released. It is not insurance for you — if SHA draws on the bond to finish or correct the work, you repay the surety. We price the amount SHA set at 1% of that bond amount, $100 minimum.

COMAR Title 11, Subtitle 04 (State Highway Administration)Maryland State Highway Administration access and utility permits (COMAR Title 11, Subtitle 04 — e.g., 11.04.05 and 11.04.06) condition work in the State highway right-of-way on a performance bond, letter of credit, or certified check. SHA’s practice sets the bond at the next even thousand dollars above 150% of the approved construction cost estimate, with SHA as obligee and the permittee as principal. Confirm your amount on your permit.

You need this bond if you are

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A contractor or developer building an entrance or access onto a State highway
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A utility installing or relocating lines within the State right-of-way
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Performing roadway construction SHA permits under an access or utility permit
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A site developer whose SHA permit conditions on a performance guarantee

One application, issued on the spot.

Submit the application with the bond amount SHA set — the executed bond is generated instantly, naming SHA as obligee.

Start the application →
FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Maryland highway performance bond?Pricing is 1% of your bond amount, with a $100 minimum. The amount itself is set by SHA from your construction cost estimate — generally the next even thousand above 150% of the estimate. Enter that figure at the application to see your exact price.
Who is the obligee?The Maryland State Highway Administration is named as obligee, with you, the permittee, as principal. The bond guarantees you complete the permitted work and restore the right-of-way to SHA’s standards.
When is the bond released?After you tell SHA’s resident maintenance engineer the work is complete and SHA formally approves it, the performance guarantee is returned. Until then, the bond stays in place.
Is there a credit check?The application collects no credit information — there's no credit section at all.
Is this the same as a hauling performance bond?No. SHA also uses a separate hauling performance bond for overweight/oversize hauling permits. This page is the performance bond for access and utility permits — work in the right-of-way. Send us your permit and we’ll confirm the right one.
Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.
How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.
Related bonds

Other Maryland bonds.

Highway performance bond, issued today.

Pricing from $100. Enter the amount SHA set and file with your permit the same day.

Your premiumfrom $100
Apply now →