AASHTO Journal, 6 September 2013
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley joined state and city officials in Baltimore Wednesday to announce significant investments in the Baltimore region’s transportation network. The $1.5 billion investment is expected to support more than 13,000 jobs and reduce traffic congestion by investing in major transportation projects in the city and surrounding counties.
“Thanks to the better choices we’ve made together, we’ve been able to put hardworking Marylanders back to work,” O’Malley said in a statement. “That didn’t happen by accident. To create jobs, a modern economy requires modern investments like the ones we are announcing today for the Baltimore region.”
Funding for transportation projects include $98 million to upgrade MARC commuter rail service, including the start of weekend service in the region. The rail line connects communities in Maryland with Baltimore and Washington, D.C. MDOT plans to improve transit in the area with $246 million towards upgrading the city’s Metro subway, and $689 million towards investments and construction on the Red Line project in Baltimore. The Red Line will be a major east-west transit project for the Baltimore region. The remaining millions will go towards highway and road improvements to improve traffic conditions.
“These critical investments are key to unlocking Baltimore’s potential to grow and will create a regional transportation system that connects Baltimore to major job centers in surrounding communities,” said Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake in a statement.
For information on the $1.5 billion in investments, visit MDOT.maryland.gov. Additional information on the Red Line is available at BaltimoreRedLine.com.