Maryland

[jmacswimmer]

MDTA, following in the footsteps of PTC, has announced that the temporary all-electronic tolling started in March is now permanent:

https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/08/06/governor-hogan-announces-all-electronic-tolling-now-permanent-at-all-mdta-facilities-statewide/

[ixnay]

MDTA, following in the footsteps of PTC, has announced that the temporary all-electronic tolling started in March is now permanent:

https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/08/06/governor-hogan-announces-all-electronic-tolling-now-permanent-at-all-mdta-facilities-statewide/

There's still this, though the MdTA doesn't own or operate it...

http://www.oldtownbridge.com/

ixnay

[cpzilliacus]

MDTA, following in the footsteps of PTC, has announced that the temporary all-electronic tolling started in March is now permanent:

https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/08/06/governor-hogan-announces-all-electronic-tolling-now-permanent-at-all-mdta-facilities-statewide/

There's still this, though the MdTA doesn't own or operate it...

http://www.oldtownbridge.com/

It would be nice to see the owners of that bridge bought-out by MDTA and the current low-water bridge replaced with a higher two lane (and sidewalk) crossing..

[froggie]

Probably not enough demand to make it worthwhile for MDTA...

[epzik8]

MDTA, following in the footsteps of PTC, has announced that the temporary all-electronic tolling started in March is now permanent:

https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/08/06/governor-hogan-announces-all-electronic-tolling-now-permanent-at-all-mdta-facilities-statewide/

I got to experience this in June driving through the Harbor Tunnel and over the Key Bridge. Last week I drove the Tydings Bridge southbound for free and didn't get a good look at the northbound toll plaza, as it was nighttime.

[MASTERNC]

MDTA, following in the footsteps of PTC, has announced that the temporary all-electronic tolling started in March is now permanent:

https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/08/06/governor-hogan-announces-all-electronic-tolling-now-permanent-at-all-mdta-facilities-statewide/

I got to experience this in June driving through the Harbor Tunnel and over the Key Bridge. Last week I drove the Tydings Bridge southbound for free and didn't get a good look at the northbound toll plaza, as it was nighttime.

When I drove through earlier this summer, all of the toll lanes were signed as E-ZPass.  Might be confusing to someone used to paying cash.

[famartin]

The Key Bridge Toll Plaza is gone now. Was that already planned, or a project they just whipped together in the last few months?

[74/171FAN]

The Key Bridge Toll Plaza is gone now. Was that already planned, or a project they just whipped together in the last few months?

It was already planned.  AET started there on October 30, 2019.

[jmacswimmer]

MDTA, following in the footsteps of PTC, has announced that the temporary all-electronic tolling started in March is now permanent:

https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/08/06/governor-hogan-announces-all-electronic-tolling-now-permanent-at-all-mdta-facilities-statewide/

I got to experience this in June driving through the Harbor Tunnel and over the Key Bridge. Last week I drove the Tydings Bridge southbound for free and didn't get a good look at the northbound toll plaza, as it was nighttime.

When I drove through earlier this summer, all of the toll lanes were signed as E-ZPass.  Might be confusing to someone used to paying cash.

This is something that actually irks me about MDTA's toll signage.  Even on the facilities that were already converted to highway-speed AET (ICC, Hatem Key & Bay Bridges), the signs only mention E-ZPass (and only list the discounted MD E-ZPass rate, at that) and make zero reference to toll-by-plate being accepted.  Maybe this is their subtle way of trying to encourage more E-ZPass usage?

(FWIW I do have an MD E-ZPass, but it just seems strange that their only mentions of toll-by-plate are on their website and not on signage in the field.)

[mrsman]

MDTA, following in the footsteps of PTC, has announced that the temporary all-electronic tolling started in March is now permanent:

https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/08/06/governor-hogan-announces-all-electronic-tolling-now-permanent-at-all-mdta-facilities-statewide/

I got to experience this in June driving through the Harbor Tunnel and over the Key Bridge. Last week I drove the Tydings Bridge southbound for free and didn't get a good look at the northbound toll plaza, as it was nighttime.

When I drove through earlier this summer, all of the toll lanes were signed as E-ZPass.  Might be confusing to someone used to paying cash.

This is something that actually irks me about MDTA's toll signage.  Even on the facilities that were already converted to highway-speed AET (ICC, Hatem Key & Bay Bridges), the signs only mention E-ZPass (and only list the discounted MD E-ZPass rate, at that) and make zero reference to toll-by-plate being accepted.  Maybe this is their subtle way of trying to encourage more E-ZPass usage?

(FWIW I do have an MD E-ZPass, but it just seems strange that their only mentions of toll-by-plate are on their website and not on signage in the field.)

Agreed.  On many roadways, if you don't have a transponder, you would assume a hefty fine (about $50) for passing through an E-Z Pass lane.  You would also try your best to find a CASH lane.  Now that AET is a thing, it should be clarified that you can pass through without paying cash and only pay a more moderate service fee without a transponder. Singage should clarify that cashless tolling is available to all.

[epzik8]

The Key Bridge Toll Plaza is gone now. Was that already planned, or a project they just whipped together in the last few months?

I noticed this too.

[MASTERNC]

Turns out roadgeeks aren't the only ones wondering why MD hasn't signed Philly on I-95

https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-highway-signs-new-york-20200810.html

[cpzilliacus]

Turns out roadgeeks aren't the only ones wondering why MD hasn't signed Philly on I-95

https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-highway-signs-new-york-20200810.html

I am a Maryland resident, but agree with this 100%.  I think it is unfortunate that MDTA does not sign Philadelphia and Wilmington.  And I disagree with the idea that only two lines can be used on those signs (Caltrans frequently uses three lines, which seems to be reasonable).

[PHLBOS]

Turns out roadgeeks aren't the only ones wondering why MD hasn't signed Philly on I-95

https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-highway-signs-new-york-20200810.html

I am a Maryland resident, but agree with this 100%.  I think it is unfortunate that MDTA does not sign Philadelphia and Wilmington.  And I disagree with the idea that only two lines can be used on those signs (Caltrans frequently uses three lines, which seems to be reasonable).

I've seen plenty of ramp and pull-through signs that feature two destination listings for the same direction on a given route.

I actually chimed in on the Comments section and suggested using either Wilmington or old-school state names but using the 2-letter designations for sign size/space reasons.  Example: DE-PA-NJ-NY  Obviously, such wouldn't pass the current MUTCD muster.

[famartin]

Turns out roadgeeks aren't the only ones wondering why MD hasn't signed Philly on I-95

https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-highway-signs-new-york-20200810.html

I am a Maryland resident, but agree with this 100%.  I think it is unfortunate that MDTA does not sign Philadelphia and Wilmington.  And I disagree with the idea that only two lines can be used on those signs (Caltrans frequently uses three lines, which seems to be reasonable).

I've seen plenty of ramp and pull-through signs that feature two destination listings for the same direction on a given route.

I actually chimed in on the Comments section and suggested using either Wilmington or old-school state names but using the 2-letter designations for sign size/space reasons.  Example: DE-PA-NJ-NY  Obviously, such wouldn't pass the current MUTCD muster.

I've lately stayed out of the control city debates, but I think things would be cleared up if the "official" cities were revised to only certain large cities along I-95 - after all, I-95 is pretty dang full of them, especially between VA and CT.

Not that it isn't obvious, but the control cities for I-95, IMHO, should be limited to these major cities: Richmond, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Bridgeport, Providence, Boston.  I could accept inclusion of Newark (NJ, not DE) and Wilmington. But really, Trenton, Chester and Newark DE need to be axed.

[sprjus4]

Turns out roadgeeks aren't the only ones wondering why MD hasn't signed Philly on I-95

https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-highway-signs-new-york-20200810.html

I am a Maryland resident, but agree with this 100%.  I think it is unfortunate that MDTA does not sign Philadelphia and Wilmington.  And I disagree with the idea that only two lines can be used on those signs (Caltrans frequently uses three lines, which seems to be reasonable).

I've seen plenty of ramp and pull-through signs that feature two destination listings for the same direction on a given route.

I actually chimed in on the Comments section and suggested using either Wilmington or old-school state names but using the 2-letter designations for sign size/space reasons.  Example: DE-PA-NJ-NY  Obviously, such wouldn't pass the current MUTCD muster.

I've lately stayed out of the control city debates, but I think things would be cleared up if the "official" cities were revised to only certain large cities along I-95 - after all, I-95 is pretty dang full of them, especially between VA and CT.

Not that it isn't obvious, but the control cities for I-95, IMHO, should be limited to these major cities: Richmond, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Bridgeport, Providence, Boston.  I could accept inclusion of Newark (NJ, not DE) and Wilmington. But really, Trenton, Chester and Newark DE need to be axed.

Sticking with I-95, south of Virginia, Rocky Mount, Dunn, Wilson, and Benson also need to be axed. Should be limited to Fayetteville and Florence.

Benson, a town of 2,000, is listed as an official control city by the AASHTO for both I-95 and I-40, with its only importance being -near- the junction of I-95 and I-40.

[cpzilliacus]

I've lately stayed out of the control city debates, but I think things would be cleared up if the "official" cities were revised to only certain large cities along I-95 - after all, I-95 is pretty dang full of them, especially between VA and CT.

Not that it isn't obvious, but the control cities for I-95, IMHO, should be limited to these major cities: Richmond, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Bridgeport, Providence, Boston.  I could accept inclusion of Newark (NJ, not DE) and Wilmington. But really, Trenton, Chester and Newark DE need to be axed.

I think Newark, New Jersey rates, as does Trenton, New Jersey (because it is the state capital).

Wilmington, Delaware is also fine.

Agree with you about Chester and Newark, Delaware.  They seem to be too small to rate being control cities. 

[famartin]

I've lately stayed out of the control city debates, but I think things would be cleared up if the "official" cities were revised to only certain large cities along I-95 - after all, I-95 is pretty dang full of them, especially between VA and CT.

Not that it isn't obvious, but the control cities for I-95, IMHO, should be limited to these major cities: Richmond, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Bridgeport, Providence, Boston.  I could accept inclusion of Newark (NJ, not DE) and Wilmington. But really, Trenton, Chester and Newark DE need to be axed.

I think Newark, New Jersey rates, as does Trenton, New Jersey (because it is the state capital).

Wilmington, Delaware is also fine.

Agree with you about Chester and Newark, Delaware.  They seem to be too small to rate being control cities.

I have two issues with Trenton.

1, I-95 now goes nowhere near, compared to every other control city currently used.

2, PennDOT has now abandoned its use in lieu of New York, and I don't like having cities used in only one direction.

[Rothman]

This is the Maryland thread...

[epzik8]

This is the Maryland thread...

Agreed

[MASTERNC]

Looks like tollbooths will be removed over time with the cashless conversion, starting with the Ft. McHenry Tunnel next year

https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2020/08/12/another-victim-coronavirus-cash-tolls/#comments-wrapper

Also, it looks like the new integrated DriveEzMD site has been delayed.  The countdown timer had been indicating a debut in the coming days but it now says 46 days to launch.

[1995hoo]

Looks like tollbooths will be removed over time with the cashless conversion, starting with the Ft. McHenry Tunnel next year

https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2020/08/12/another-victim-coronavirus-cash-tolls/#comments-wrapper

Also, it looks like the new integrated DriveEzMD site has been delayed.  The countdown timer had been indicating a debut in the coming days but it now says 46 days to launch.

You can feel your intelligence start to dribble away when you read the comments below a lot of Washington Post articles.

[jmacswimmer]

Looks like tollbooths will be removed over time with the cashless conversion, starting with the Ft. McHenry Tunnel next year

https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2020/08/12/another-victim-coronavirus-cash-tolls/#comments-wrapper

Also, it looks like the new integrated DriveEzMD site has been delayed.  The countdown timer had been indicating a debut in the coming days but it now says 46 days to launch.

You can feel your intelligence start to dribble away when you read the comments below a lot of Washington Post articles.

A lot of these people now whining about transponders/plate billing are probably the same ones who were whining on Bay Bridge backup articles last summer about how they need to get rid of the toll plaza to improve traffic

[famartin]

If you want to see a bit of a goof, take a drive on MD 206 (Konterra Drive). They recently added reassurance signs, but the "begin" and "end" ones are all mixed up and out of place. 

[Mapmikey]

If you want to see a bit of a goof, take a drive on MD 206 (Konterra Drive). They recently added reassurance signs, but the "begin" and "end" ones are all mixed up and out of place. 

This may be an artifact of MD 206 being shorter than it is when it first was designated.  Unfortunately, the HLR site is out of whack and only the 2015 one is still accessible, but it does show MD 206 ending well before Gunpowder Falls Rd. 

I also drove this not long ago and noticed the way to many BEGIN-END signs, some of which I thought were backwards even under the theory that MD 206 was shorter at first...