<span>MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MEETS WITH HARFORD COUNTY OFFICIALS AS PART OF STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION TOUR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maryland Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs
David Broughton, 410-865-1029
Jim Joyner, 410-865-1030

Officials Outline Six-Year Draft Budget and Provide Key Project Updates

BEL AIR, MD (November 1, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Harford County officials to discuss the department's six-year Draft FY 2024-2029 Consolidated Transportation Program. The plan calls for a $21.2 billion, six-year investment to create a safer, cleaner, efficient and accessible transportation system connecting Marylanders to jobs, schools, recreation, health care and services.

“Delivering safe, reliable, equitable and sustainable transportation is critical to Maryland's economic health and the vibrancy of neighborhoods across the state. This Draft CTP is inspired by that mission," said Secretary Wiedefeld. “We know there are challenges ahead, and we are committed to fiscal responsibility and collaboration with local communities, stakeholders and elected officials as we deliver the transportation network Marylanders need and deserve."

The Draft Consolidated Transportation Program includes funding to maintain existing transportation facilities, expand transit opportunities, invest in Maryland's economy and support the state's long-term goals for mobility, safety, equity, environmental stewardship and economic growth. To view the full Draft FY 2024-2029 Consolidated Transportation Program, go to ctp.maryland.gov.

The program allocates funding for electric vehicle infrastructure, as well as investment in the transition to zero-emission transit buses and other carbon reduction and resiliency programs, establishing Maryland as national leader in addressing climate goals. The program also includes funding to promote Transit-Oriented Development to spur economic growth in transit corridors, and for projects to support Complete Streets – an initiative to make Maryland's roadways safer and more accessible for all users, and help reduce the number of roadway fatalities and injuries.

The program outlines investments in each mode funded by the Transportation Trust Fund: Maryland Aviation Administration, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, State Highway Administration and The Secretary's Office, as well as Maryland's investment in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

The plan also includes an additional $2.7 billion investment planned by the Maryland Transportation Authority. Receiving no funds from the Transportation Trust Fund, the Maryland Transportation Authority's toll facilities are fully financed, constructed, operated and maintained with toll revenues.

In addition to Secretary Wiedefeld, officials attending Wednesday's meeting included State Highway Administrator William Pines; Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer; Maryland Port Authority Interim Acting Executive Director Brian Miller; Maryland Transit Administration Local Transit Support Director Travis Johnston; Maryland Aviation Administration Regional Aviation Director Ashish Solanki; and Maryland Transportation Authority Planning and Program Development Director Melissa Williams.

Maryland Transportation Authority Planning and Program Development Director Williams discussed the I-95 Express Toll Lane Northbound Extension project, a $1.1 billion initiative adding two northbound express lanes to north of MD 24. Work is underway on the lanes from north of MD 43 to south of MD 152, and on the reconstruction of the I-95 interchange at MD 152. The extension is expected to open to MD 152 by the end of 2024, with the full extension to north of MD 24 slated to open by the end of 2027.

State Highway Administrator Pines said the agency opened the new $8.6 million US 1 Truck Weigh and Inspection Station in September. The new facility can accommodate more and larger commercial vehicles, improving safety for all US 1 drivers. He also said crews are wrapping up rehabilitation work on the bridge carrying MD 161 (Darlington Road) over Deer Creek. The bridge had been damaged in a tractor trailer crash in January 2021. Work is expected to be complete by the end of November.

He also said a $10 million slope protection and roadway reconstruction project on MD 24 and Rocks Road will begin late fall. The work includes stabilizing the embankment on MD 24 next to Deer Creek, along with road reconstruction, resurfacing and guardrail replacement. A detour will be in place to expedite construction and ensure a safe work zone for crews, park users and motorists.

Administrator Pines noted that last month, Governor Wes Moore announced more than $25 million federal and state grants for 40 bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects across Maryland, including these allocations for Havre de Grace through the Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program:

$160,000 for a feasibility study for bike facilities along Revolution Street; and
$52,000 to design on-street bicycle facilities along several streets.

Maryland Transit Administration Local Transit Support Director Johnston said the agency is considering expansion options for MARC rail service, and is talking with neighboring states to explore ways to close the gap between MARC and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority service, as well as possible run-through service to Virginia. He encouraged the public to take part in the update of the MARC Growth and Transformation Plan. The agency is seeking public comment through December 4.

Officials noted other Harford County allocations in the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program:

$4.2 million in operating and capital grants to support local transit operations in the county;
$168,000 for obstruction removal and runway pavement repairs at Harford County Airport; and
$113,000 in highway safety grants to law enforcement agencies and organizations in the county.

The Harford County meeting was part of the Maryland Department of Transportation's tour of all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City to discuss the funding plan and receive input from local officials and the public. Dates and locations for upcoming sessions can be found here. Following the tour, the Draft FY 2024-2029 Consolidated Transportation Program will be finalized and submitted in January for consideration during the 2024 General Assembly session.