AASHTO Journal, 20 May 2016
Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn joined with the TRIP traffic research group to both identify the state’s worst roadway bottlenecks and highlight efforts the state has been taking in recent years to improve conditions.
TRIP, which often reports on infrastructure funding needs and the way ailing highway systems cost drivers in lost time or vehicle repairs, focused heavily on improvements Maryland has undertaken since passage of a 2013 state funding measure.
Meanwhile Rahn, who has headed the state DOT since 2015 after Gov. Larry Hogan took office, emphasized efforts under Hogan to target funds to high-priority projects that reduce congestion.
TRIP called its May 17 report “Keeping Maryland Mobile: Progress and Challenges in Providing an Efficient, Safe and Well-Maintained Transportation System.”
In it, TRIP said although Maryland’s 2013 action raised a significant amount of new project revenue that was augmented by a modest increase in federal funding in the five-year FAST Act, “Maryland still faces a significant challenge in improving mobility, conditions and safety and supporting long-term economic growth.”
Rahn, who joined TRIP in press events, said in a statement released with the report: “From Gov. Hogan’s $2 billion investment in highways and bridges to innovative projects and practical design, Maryland is committed to improving safety and reducing hours lost every day to congestion.”
TRIP said congestion on Maryland’s roads creates 195 million hours of delays a year and burns an extra 85 million additional gallons of fuel, for a yearly tab of $4.1 billion in lost time and wasted fuel.
Will Wilkins, TRIP’s executive director, said: “While Maryland has been able to use increased state transportation funds to improve road and bridge conditions in recent years, congestion continues to mount and a significant amount of additional local, state and federal funding is still needed.”
The report pointed to major congestion problems on the Interstate 495 Beltway around the nation’s capital where it connects with the I-270 spur, and on north-south I-95.
WTOP reported Rahn saying of I-270: “We know we have a problem, that’s why we’re trying to tackle the most congested route in the state first.”
He said the state has set aside $100 million to reduce congestion along I-270 and is soliciting ideas to improve traffic flow on a faster pace than the 10-15 years it would take to build new highway lanes there.