BALTIMORE (January 25, 2013) - The Maryland State Highway Administration and the Maryland Transit Administration have asked the BRTB to consider amendments to the 2012-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for nine projects in the Baltimore region.
An overview of the proposed amendments, with a link to each detailed TIP project sheet, are included below.
SHA seeks to advance the following projects:
The Rosemary Lane Interchange was part of a study to upgrade existing MD 32 from MD 108 to I-70 to address safety concerns and include shoulders to accommodate bicycles. Project Planning for this project was completed in 2005, with several interchange/intersection projects moving forward. The Rosemary Lane project was on hold, but can now move forward due to available funding.
I-695 (Leeds Avenue Ramp Relocated) - $1.12 million for the Right-of-Way phase for the taking of property related to a relocated ramp to the Inner Loop of I-695 near Leeds Avenue and US 1 in Arbutus. This project is related to interim improvements that are intended to help relieve congestion as SHA prepares for Beltway widening. SHA has conducted extensive public outreach and has created design alternatives that attempt to mitigate impacts on surrounding properties.
BRAC Related Intersections near Aberdeen Proving Ground - $6.2 million for the Right-of-Way phase for MD 22 at Beards Hill Road and US 40 at MD 7/MD 159 intersection projects.
This project involves intersection improvements along access routes to Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). Bicycle and pedestrian facilities will be provided where appropriate. Improved access to APG is a vital component needed to accommodate the increase of employment as a result of BRAC.
US 29 Columbia Pike (Phase I) - $4.3 million for Right-of-Way and Construction phases of a project to eliminate direct access to US 29 from Gales Lane and Old Columbia Road. The overall project will widen the northbound section of US 29 between Seneca Drive and MD 175 from 2 to 3 lanes. Funding for the entire project is not available; however SHA is able to implement intermediate projects.
This project is part of SHA's BRAC-related intersection improvements at key locations along access routes to Fort Meade. These funds will be used for roadway improvements including the widening of MD 175 at Reece Road, the replacement and reconstruction of sidewalks and the construction of a 10 foot wide hiker/biker trail.
MD 22 at Old Post Road - $5.6 million to advance construction work at the intersection of MD 22 and Old Post Road.
This project is intended to improve the operation and safety of MD 22 at Old Post Road and provide additional local capacity at the Old Post Road intersection. New curb/gutter and sidewalks will be constructed, with a wide outside lane to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians on Old Post Road. The project also includes grinding, resurfacing, signing, lighting, pavement marking, signal modification and landscaping.
MTA continues efforts to improve safety and service reliability, as well as demonstrate accountability for its use of public funds, with the following projects:
MARC Maintenance and Layover Facility - $1.25 million for Project Planning and Preliminary Engineering for a new MARC Maintenance and Layover facility in Harford County.
The new facility will support existing and expanded Penn Line operations at an MTA-controlled facility, enabling the transfer of maintenance and layover of electric and diesel locomotives and rolling stock from Amtrak facilities in Baltimore and Washington.
Light Rail Mid-Life Overhaul - Updates the funding plan for this project, which implements a 15-year inspection and mid-life overhaul on all 53 Light Rail vehicles. This project allows for the 15-year inspection and overhaul of the major sub-assemblies on Light Rail vehicles as described by the manufacturer in the Preventive Maintenance Manual. The funding plan for this project has been updated to reflect the mix of federal dollars identified in MTA's budget.
The project entails the construction of a new "sustainably designed" maintenance facility at 1300 Bush Street, to add maintenance capacity and allow additional articulated buses to be staged at Bush Street. Demolition of the existing building has already begun with previously approved funding. Initial implementation plans, layout of the new building and required environmental studies have also been completed.
These amendments are open for public review and comment through Friday, February 22, 2013.
Comments will be accepted at the following public meetings:
- Wednesday, February 6 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (Offices @ McHenry Row 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300 Baltimore, MD 21230; accessible by MTA Bus Route #1 and the free Charm City Circulator Banner Route). Presentations at 4:30 and 6:00 p.m.
- Monday, February 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Harford County Public Library, Aberdeen Branch (21 Franklin St, Aberdeen, MD 21001; Accessible by 3 Harford Transit routes: Yellow #4, Purple #6, and Green #1).
- Tuesday, February 12 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Howard County Public Library, Central Branch (10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044; Accessible by bus on the Howard Transit Red Route and other nearby routes to the Mall in Columbia).
Comments are also welcome during the Public Comment Opportunity at the BRTB Technical Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, at 9:30 a.m., or the BRTB meeting on Tuesday, February 26 at 9 a.m. (tentative vote). These meetings will be held at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council at the above address.
Written comments may be submitted to:
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board
Offices @ McHenry Row
1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300
Baltimore, MD 21230
Fax: 410-732-8248
All mailed comments must be received no later than 3 days after the end of the comment period.
For more information, contact Jason Biernat at jbiernat@baltometro.org or 410-732-0500 x1048.
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