Contact: Barbara Herron, 410-732-9564
Open for Public Review: Projects to Manage Congestion, Improve Safety and Protect the Environment
BALTIMORE (May 9, 2011) - The Maryland State Highway Administration has asked the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) to add several projects to its 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Funding for these projects will come from Federal Aid funds that were recently made available, funds left over from completed projects that finished under budget, and the Federal General Fund.
MD 175: MD 295 to MD 170 (Fort Meade area)
This study, already underway, is to identify traffic flow improvements as well as bicycle/pedestrian accommodations on MD 175 from MD 295 to MD 170, including a potential interchange at Reece Road. The purpose is to alleviate current and future traffic congestion along MD 175 and improve access to Fort Meade.
An additional $3.6 million is proposed for the design phase of the study. For detailed project information, download the project information sheet at http://www.baltometro.org.
I-695: I-95 (SW) to MD 122
This study, already underway, is looking at the west side of the Baltimore Beltway (possibly going from 6 to 8 lanes). The amendment adds $1 million to design a new ramp connection to the Inner Loop of I-695 near Leeds Ave and US 1 in Arbutus. For project information, download the project information sheet at http://www.baltometro.org.
Areawide Projects
This amendment increases funding for three types of areawide projects currently underway in the TIP: 1) Congestion Management, 2) Safety and Spot Improvements and 3) Environmental Projects.
- Congestion Management - an addition of $1.95 million will be added for the installation of CCTV cameras and other congestion management strategies in the region. Also, an addition of $0.5 million will be added for the design of Park-and-Ride lot expansions at US 50 @ MD 424 and at MD 4 @ MD 408.
- Safety and Spot Improvements - an addition of $4.4 million for the installation of UPS/LED lights (uninterrupted power supply/light emitting diode) and for sidewalk improvement projects to meet ADA standards.
- Environmental Projects - an addition of $13.4 million total. $4.5 million will be added to the design phase; $400,00 to the project planning phase; and $8.5 million to the construction phase for training, compliance, monitoring and research of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements; installation of trees; as well as pavement remedial projects.
For additional information, download the project information sheet at http://www.baltometro.org.
The activities funded by the BRTB are supported primarily through federal dollars. Public participation is extremely beneficial in making sound decisions. The public is encouraged to review the draft documentation and submit comments.
These amendments to the TIP are open for public review and comment through Monday, June 6, 2011. Comments may be submitted in writing to:
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board
Offices @ McHenry Row
1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300
Baltimore, MD 21230
Fax: 410-732-8248
E-mail: comments@baltometro.org
Web: www.baltometro.org/bboard
All mailed comments must be received no later than 3 days after the close of the comment period.
Public meetings have been scheduled to answer questions and accept comments on these TIP amendments:
I-695 Ramp and Areawide Projects
Monday, May 16, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Arbutus Library, 855 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus, MD 21227
MD 175
Tuesday, May 17, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Meade Middle School, 1103 26th St., Fort Meade, MD 20755
Comments may be submitted at these public meetings or during the Public Comment Opportunity at the BRTB meeting on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at 9:00 a.m., or on Tuesday, June 28, at 9 a.m. (tentative vote).
For more information, contact:
Regina Aris, raris@baltometro.org, 410-732-9572
Monica Haines Benkhedda, mhainesbenkhedda@baltometro.org, 410-732-0500 x1047
# # #
