FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) -- That tragic, fatal tanker fire on Route 15 nearly two years ago is a reminder of how dangerous traffic on the north-south corridor through Frederick County is, and officials are determined not to let anything like it happen again. On Tuesday, Gov. Wes Moore was in Frederick with an important announcement to improve safety along the route and lift the region's economy. During a press conference, he said that Route 15 "is one of the most important pathways for commerce in our state and, unfortunately, one of the most dangerous." Officials said the project includes enhancing safety by improving points where vehicles enter and exit the highway and widening the section between Frederick Freeway and Liberty Road. Rick Weldon, president and CEO of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, said upgrades to Route 15 are vital for business growth. "This is the most critical infrastructure project related to economic development that you will see in this city," said Weldon. Maryland Attorney General Brown, 18 other states sue to block Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship Frederick County executive Jessica Fitzwater said the investment will make Frederick a more livable community. "The investment announced today will improve driver safety, improve the flow of traffic in both directions during rush hour, and in Frederick we know it's kind of always rush hour in that three-mile stretch of Route 15," said Fitzwater. Moore is committing $420 million in his proposed budget for the project. "One of the main ways you have to promote economic growth is to have reliable, efficient and safe transportation," said Moore. While there is fiscal belt-tightening at the State House in Annapolis, the governor said the Route 15 project will move to the priority category in preparing the state's budget.