Secretary Slater also highlighted bikeway grants made possible through MDOT's Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program. In September, MDOT announced $3.78 million in FY 2021 grants to support bicycle safety and access across the state, including two grants here in Anne Arundel County. The bikeway grants will be highlighted on MDOT's new WalkCycleMD Twitter and Facebook pages, @WalkCycleMD and facebook.com/WalkCycleMD.

A grant for the City of Annapolis will provide $224,000 to study key gaps in the Annapolis bike network and to design up to 65% drawings for the low-stress linkages. These linkages would enhance safe bicycle mobility to and from downtown Annapolis, the B&A Trail and the Poplar Trail, as well as to other community destinations. A grant for Anne Arundel County will provide $600,000 to build upon the existing SHA Preliminary Investigation plans and complete the design for an extension of the BWI Trail Loop spur through Linthicum to the Nursery Road Light Rail Station. This project will help close the trail gap between the BWI and B&A Trails and the Gwynns Falls Trail at Harbor Hospital in Baltimore City.

MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith explained how fewer vehicles on the roadway earlier this year allowed crews to expand hours of lane closures and make more progress on construction projects without impacting the mobility of Maryland drivers. There are several examples in Anne Arundel County of how MDOT SHA was able to deliver some great projects and new roadway infrastructure for Maryland. 

MDOT SHA made great progress on $50 million in key projects along the MD 175 corridor near Fort Meade, including capacity improvements along MD 175 at Reece Road, Disney Road, Mapes Road and Charter Oaks Boulevard to be completed by the end of this year. And along MD 450, MDOT SHA completed a $1 million project to remove sediment and realign Bell Branch to its legacy channel addressing recurring sunny day flooding. This project, completed this past summer, also included major culvert cleaning, pipe repairs, and landscaping.

In addition to these projects, Administrator Smith also discussed the importance of the work zone safety and move over law efforts to ensure MDOT SHA team members and contractor partners return safely home at the end of every shift. He also emphasized the need to provide safe access to all users including people who travel by foot, bicycle and scooter. The context-driven guide will change the way MDOT SHA delivers projects and a Vision Zero philosophy will aid in making our roadways safer for all.  

For the toll facilities, MDTA Executive Director Jim Ports provided an update on the I-895 Bridge Project. The new northbound bridge and Holabird Avenue exit ramp opened in March. Currently, one lane of I-895 remains open in each direction north of Harbor Tunnel. In November, two-way traffic will be switched to the new southbound bridge, allowing crews to put finishing touches on the northbound span. Then, both the northbound and southbound spans are expected to be open to motorists in the early part of next year. The tunnel rehabilitation remains under construction. The entire project is expected to be complete by 2021. He also announced that the full removal of the Key Bridge toll plaza is expected to be complete in summer 2021.

In addition, he discussed Bay Bridge projects underway. For the Bay Crossing Tier I NEPA Study, MDTA expects to publish a Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement and identify MDTA's Recommended Preferred Corridor Alternative in fall 2020, and hold public hearings in early 2021. The Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement / Record of Decision (ROD) is scheduled for 2021. Visit baycrossingstudy.com for more information. 

Executive Director Ports also discussed ongoing and future Bay Bridge improvements: westbound deck rehabilitation (center/left lanes) and Bay Bridge crossover automated lane closure system. He encouraged all Marylanders to get an E-ZPass and take advantage of MDTA's conversion to all-electronic (cashless) tolling statewide. E-ZPass transponders are free. For information on new payment options, check out the release with new payment options, and check out www.ezpassmd.com.

MDOT MTA Administrator Kevin Quinn discussed real-time tracking for MARC Train service via the Transit app that launched in August. The MARC website has been redeveloped to provide the same real-time arrival predictions. Anne Arundel County residents using the MARC rail stations will be able to experience this technology enhancement. 

He also outlined investments in fleet modernization across all modes to support safe and reliable operations and enhance passenger comfort and convenience, including:

• $400 million replacement of Metro railcars and signal system, which is underway;
• $160 million, 53-rail light rail vehicle fleet overhaul, which will be complete in 2022; 
• $54 million to overhaul 63 MARC III passenger coaches, which is advancing with seven overhauled coaches currently in service; and
• $207 million to rehabilitating and renewing Metro tunnel, track, systems and stations. 
  

Core Local Bus and MobilityLink service will continue to operate on current schedules, while Commuter Bus and MARC service began operating at reduced levels this week. MARC will operate on an enhanced “R" service schedule service. All Commuter Bus routes will operate on a “S" schedule service with the following two exceptions: Route 201 service from Gaithersburg to BWI Marshall Airport will operate only the odd numbered trips on both the Weekday and Weekend/Holiday schedules; and Route 320 service from Columbia to Baltimore will operate regular service.

He detailed how the ridership numbers have not bounced back nearly as much for choice riders on MARC and Commuter Bus compared to Core Local Bus. The second week of April, during the peak of the stay-at-home order, all transit was down at an all-time low while the fourth week of October shows the latest return trends: MARC was down 97% vs. 90% down now, Commuter Bus was down 95% vs. 86% down now, and Core Local Bus was down 61% vs. 57% down now.

Comparing 2019 to 2020:

• average daily Commuter Bus boardings decreased from 14,188 to 1,650 in August and from 14,475 to 1,927 in September. (For 2020, total reflects September 1-24.)
• average weekday MARC boardings decreased from 35,410 to 3,076 in August.
• Commuter Bus average riders per trip: for Baltimore-area routes decreased from 14 to 6;
• Washington-area routes decreased from 24 to 2; and Intercounty Connector routes fell from 16 to 2.  
  

Administrator Quinn also discussed the 50-year Statewide Transit Plan. MDOT MTA will work with Anne Arundel County and stakeholders across the state to develop this long-term vision and framework for coordinated transit service in Maryland. 

MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer outlined how the department continues to provide support to Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders by proactively scheduling appointments for those with expiring products to ensure they get the updates they need to keep Maryland's supply chain moving. She also announced that all Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations reopened statewide on October 19. 

Administrator Nizer promoted a new tool on MDOT MVA's website called First Stop to help customers navigate the many services MDOT MVA offers through the eStore. With this recently rolled out service, a customer enters their information, such as a driver's license number or title number, and First Stop provides the customer with their own unique menu of transactions that can be completed online.  

MDOT MVA succeeded in deploying phase one of Customer Connect on July 6. Customer Connect expands MDOT MVA services available online, a significant step in enhancing efficiency. Customer Connect phase one included vehicle services, business licensing and motor carrier services. Phase one allows businesses and individuals to complete more transactions online and streamline services provided so that:

• customers and insurance companies can update information online, provide documentation on insurance cases, view correspondence and make payments;
• customers can request and be approved for disability products; and
• customers can begin a title and registration pre-application that ensures they have all the proper documentation and provides an estimate of fees. 

Customer Connect also helps reduce wait times at MDOT MVA branches or eliminates the need for customers to come in altogether. MDOT MVA is still on schedule to deploy phase two of Customer Connect in December 2021, which includes driver services. At full deployment, Customer Connect will consolidate existing IT systems at MDOT MVA into a single portal and ensure the highest level of security to reduce the potential for fraud. 

Administrator Nizer, who serves as Governor Hogan's Highway Safety Representative, discussed the Hogan Administration's recent announcement of more than $228,000 for Anne Arundel County agencies to address highway safety. The Annapolis Police Department and Anne Arundel County Police Department were among this year's recipients. In addition, MDOT MVA's Highway Safety Office is launching a safety campaign called Be the Driver that emphasizes driver responsibility and focuses on elements of the state's Strategic Highway Safety Plan. 

She also provided an update on REAL ID to ensure every Marylander is prepared for the new October 1, 2021, deadline. The one-year extension allows nearly 300,000 Marylanders to become REAL ID compliant through their standard driver's license renewal process. Currently, 71% of Marylanders are REAL ID compliant. 

MDOT MPA Harbor Development Director Kristen Fidler outlined how the numbers at the Port of Baltimore are turning around since the peak of the pandemic. The Port set a new record in August with 5,536 container moves conducted by longshore workers handling the ship, Maersk Edinburg. This record marks the largest number of container moves for a single ship in the Port's 314-year history. 

Cargo numbers at the Port of Baltimore's public marine terminals saw big increases in September compared to low points during the COVID-19 emergency: 169% increase for autos/light trucks (units) since the low point in May; 17% increase for general cargo (tons) since the low point in June; and 16% increase for containers (boxes) since the low point in June. The number of autos and light trucks shipped through the Port was up 8% in September 2020 compared to last September.                                    

The Port of Baltimore is seeing increased containers in recent months from many existing clients: ALDI, Tractor Supply, Restoration Hardware and MTC Logistics, a company that ships refrigerated and frozen foods. The Port also is handling cargo for businesses new or returning to the Port, including Rite Aid, Big Lots and Levin Furniture. 

In another positive indicator, imported autos/light trucks unloaded from ships at the Port are heading straight to dealerships, instead of waiting days at the Port for pickup. In July, Volkswagen started discharging vehicles at Tradepoint Atlantic with an estimate of up to 120,000 annually. 

MDOT MPA is continuing a successful program with Poplar and Hart-Miller islands to use dredged sediment. In addition to the Cox Creek Expansion and the Howard Street Tunnel to support growth at the Port of Baltimore, MDOT MPA and Ports America Chesapeake are moving forward with the P3's Seagirt second 50-foot Berth and Mega Panamax Cranes. 

Director Fidler also pointed out that MDOT MPA continues to work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on maintaining the shipping channels serving the Port of Baltimore. As part of that effort, she also provided an update on the expansion of the Cox Creek Dredged Material Containment Facility in Anne Arundel County. The base-dike widening phase is wrapping up this winter, which will be followed by dike raising by 60 feet is slated to begin in February. ​ 

During COVID-19, the MDOT MPA Environmental Program received ISO 14001 Certification, the top international standard for environmental management. The Port's diesel equipment upgrade program continues to replace older diesel-powered engines with new engines. Since 2008, 217 dray trucks, 100 pieces of cargo-handling equipment, and 16 locomotives have been replaced, resulting in more than 4,500 tons in lowered emissions. Recently announced, MDOT MPA will receive $10 million in federal funds toward its $36.7 million Resiliency and Flood Mitigation Improvements project to better protect the Dundalk Marine Terminal from severe rain events and future sea level rise. 

MDOT MAA Administrator Ricky Smith gave an update on BWI Marshall Airport recovery from the low point during COVID-19. In April, passenger traffic was down 96% compared to the previous year.

For July, BWI Marshall Airport passenger traffic continued to rebound and accounted for 51% of the entire Washington-area market. For the second-straight month, the total at BWI Marshall Airport was more than Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport combined. While the aviation industry expects at least two to three years to regain pre-COVID levels, BWI Marshall Airport remains well positioned for when the industry begins its true recovery. 

A number of key MDOT MAA projects are preserved as part of the CTP. Several airfield projects at BWI Marshall Airport will move forward, including a major reconstruction of Taxiway T, a primary aircraft circulation route around the terminal. This project will be fully funded by the federal government, with more than $11 million in CARES Act funds. 

In addition, a five-gate extension of Concourse A is nearing completion with three new food and retail concessions continuing to build-out their operations. The design process for a major terminal restroom renovation program is being finalized with construction expected to begin in early 2021. MDOT MAA also is working with the Federal Aviation Administration on the extensive Environmental Assessment process for the next phase of improvements at BWI Marshall and Martin State airports. 

In addition to the work at BWI Marshall Airport and Martin State Airport, MDOT MAA will continue to support and foster aviation across Maryland by working with 35 public-use airports. For FY 2021, MDOT MAA intends to provide $2.35 million to regional airports across Maryland. Tipton Airport has received 100% FY 2021 federal grant assistance of $1.2 million for aircraft parking apron design work and hangar improvements.