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
TOWSON, MD (October 23, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Baltimore 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, maintained, improved and protected with toll revenues paid by customers using those facilities.
At Monday's meeting, transportation officials offered details of projects affecting Baltimore County. In addition to Secretary Wiedefeld, officials attending included State Highway Administrator William Pines; Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer; Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold; Maryland Aviation Administration Executive Director Ricky Smith, Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Joey Sagal and Maryland Port Administration Interim Acting Executive Director Brian Miller.
State Highway Administrator Pines told officials the department has begun the next phase of its I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) project that will convert the media shoulder of the highway between I-70 and MD 43 into a travel lane for use during peak hours. The project began in 2020 and is expected to be completed in winter 2025/2026. As part of the commitment to reduce crashes in work zones, the agency has implemented variable speed limits and enhanced law enforcement presence in work zones.
He also noted that between White Marsh and the Harford County line, crews are wrapping up work on the $32 million project to rehabilitate the dual US 40 bridges over Big Gunpowder Falls and Little Gunpowder Falls. The new bridges opened to traffic in September and include 10-foot-wide outside shoulders for pedestrians and bicyclists to enhance safety and mobility.
Administrator Pines said work on MD 147 (Harford Road) at Joppa Road, including widening, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps and sidewalks, bicycle accommodations and upgraded traffic signals, was completed this summer. He also said the agency will host a virtual public meeting Wednesday, October 25, for residents to learn about the upcoming MD 139 Charles Street improvements and water main replacement project. The state is working with the county on the project, which extends along MD 139 from the Baltimore City line to MD 134 (Bellona Avenue).
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 the following allocations from the Recreational Trails Program:
- $275,000 for the third phase of the Bear Creek Heritage Trail in Dundalk;
- $243,000 to the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park for the Woodstock/Old Court area trails;
- $58,000 for other Patapsco State Park trail maintenance; and
- $70,000 for maintenance and a new trail section at Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills.
Maryland Transit Administrator Arnold said that every day, nearly 40,000 riders board MTA buses in Baltimore County, a number that has grown by 15% in the past year. She said the agency is focused on operational improvements and capital investments that increase service reliability and contribute to a better rider experience.
The agency is in the process of a major bus electrification effort, with its first electric buses entering revenue service in November. On the rail side, the administration is nearing completion of a mid-life overhaul of its 52-vehicle Light Rail fleet, and is underway with replacement of older Metro vehicles.
Administrator Arnold encouraged officials and residents to participate in the planning process for the Red Line, which Governor Moore relaunched in June to help address a major gap in east-west transit service in the Baltimore region. The Maryland Transit Administration recently released maps of six proposed alternatives and is hosting several open house events in November to gather public input – including a session from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, November 2, at Woodlawn High School, 1801 Woodlawn Dr., Gwynn Oak. For more details, click here.
Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Sagal updated officials on the ongoing I-95 Express Toll Lane Northbound Extension project, a $1.1 billion initiative adding two northbound express lanes north of MD 24 into Harford County. Work is underway for the new lanes from north of MD 43 to south of MD 152, and 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 open by the end of 2027.
Officials noted other initiatives in the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program, including:
- more than $2 million in highway safety grants to law enforcement agencies and organizations in Baltimore County including the Baltimore County Police Department, Maryland State Police and the Chesapeake Region Safety Council; and
- ongoing berth reconstruction at the Dundalk Marine Terminal to better accommodate larger and heavier pieces of farm and construction machinery coming through the Port of Baltimore.
The Baltimore 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. The tour continues into November. Dates and locations for upcoming sessions can be found here. The schedule is subject to change and will be updated as needed throughout the process.
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.