Project Prioritization
Welcome to MDOT's New Project Prioritization Program!
Guided by Governor Moore’s vision for a data-driven, heart-led Maryland that leaves no one behind, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is introducing a new approach to prioritizing surface transportation projects. This initiative ensures every dollar invested delivers maximum value to Marylanders and advances the state’s critical goals.
MDOT’s new prioritization process reflects our commitment to data-driven decision-making, transparency, accountability, and public engagement. By integrating robust data with community input, the program aims to select projects that achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes for Marylanders while remaining adaptable to evolving needs.
To kick off this effort, MDOT will conduct a no-funding pilot round in 2025. This pilot will allow stakeholders to explore the new system, understand its mechanics, and provide valuable feedback. By focusing on collaboration and continuous improvement, MDOT is dedicated to making this process user-friendly, transparent, and impactful.
With this initiative, MDOT joins a select group of innovative state transportation agencies leading the way in open, data-driven project selection. Together with our partners, we aim to strengthen transportation planning statewide, leveraging infrastructure to create a safer, more affordable, and more competitive Maryland.
We look forward to your participation in this important effort to deliver meaningful, equitable, and high-impact transportation solutions for all Marylanders.
Overview
MDOT has developed a new project prioritization process for evaluating surface transportation capacity enhancing projects requesting funding in the Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP). The new approach centers on data-driven, performance-based project evaluation that maximizes the value of Maryland’s transportation investments. The first round of the new process will be a pilot round with no funding in 2025.
Implementation
In the new process, project evaluation is conducted every other year. It is based on evaluation measures developed with support from a workgroup of representatives from the State Highway Administration (SHA), Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), and the Secretary’s Office (TSO). The scoring process uses a combination of project data provided by the applicant, modeling/forecasting, and GIS analysis to produce a ranked list of the submitted projects.
After scoring, the project rankings and a list of projects selected for the CTP are published for public review and input during the fall CTP tour. After the CTP tour, the MDOT Secretary may make changes based on factors such as public input or geographic equity prior to proposing a final list to a public commission for review and further discussion. Please refer to the Project Prioritization Technical Guide linked below for additional information on project scoring and final selection.
Application Process
The application period for the 2025 pilot round will open on January 15, 2025, and close on February 18, 2025. Proposing entities are responsible for completing the online OneStop application linked below prior to the application deadline, February 18, 2025. They are encouraged to coordinate with MDOT during the application process to ensure all the necessary data and eligibility requirements are met.
The following types of entities may submit projects for prioritization: county government, municipal government, state government agency, independent city, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and Locally Operated Transit System (LOTS). To be eligible for prioritization, projects must 1) be a surface transportation capacity enhancing project for which the state funding request, including federal funding that MDOT controls, is at least $5 million and less than $400 million, 2) be located or operate on the state system or provide benefits to the state system, and 3) have progressed far enough in its design work to provide the information necessary for scoring.
Please refer to the Project Prioritization Technical Guide linked below for additional information about applicant eligibility, project eligibility, and application requirements.
Resource Documents
Contact Information