Maryland

[cl94]

On the Bay Bridge that's probably a lot less practical, and costlier, than the "outside" design. Bear in mind it's not a suspension bridge all the way across the bay–only the highest portion in each direction, located over the shipping channel, is a suspension span. That means figuring out some way to cut through, or else extend, all the support columns.

Though I suspect that might be easier than adding lanes at the suspension spans. 

All together, it is certainly less difficult and maybe even cheaper, just to build another span.

I'd just say build a new bridge. Either do one new span and use both of the current spans for one direction or build a new span for both. In the former case, make it 4-5 lanes and widen US 50 west to I-97.

[noelbotevera]

On the Bay Bridge that's probably a lot less practical, and costlier, than the "outside" design. Bear in mind it's not a suspension bridge all the way across the bay–only the highest portion in each direction, located over the shipping channel, is a suspension span. That means figuring out some way to cut through, or else extend, all the support columns.

Though I suspect that might be easier than adding lanes at the suspension spans. 

All together, it is certainly less difficult and maybe even cheaper, just to build another span.

I'd just say build a new bridge. Either do one new span and use both of the current spans for one direction or build a new span for both. In the former case, make it 4-5 lanes and widen US 50 west to I-97.

Then you have to widen the Severn River Bridge if you want to accomplish that. I'd rather just have it end at MD 2 at exit 23, and tell people to use MD 450 in times of congestion. Before anyone complains, as a reference this time I'm using an AADT map. US 50 traffic counts at the Severn River Bridge clocks in with 121,042 AADT. MD 450 Academy Bridge clocks in with 10,322 AADT. Dated 2014.

[jeffandnicole]

could they do an upper and lower level thing like the Verezano and George Washington Bridges?

I doubt it.  cl94's comment below is, I believe, correct.

That and the bridges weren't designed for second decks. The GW and Verrazano were designed for two decks.

Yeah, for starters, there is only one pair of suspension cables for each bridge.  The GWB and Verrazano Narrows have "double" cables (two on each side for a total of four), so they could hold-up that second deck.

There's also minimum water navigation clearances that need to be adhered to.

The Ben Franklin (Suspension) Bridge added train tracks on the outside of the bridge about a decade after the bridge was built.

[AlexandriaVA]

15 summer weekends (or something like that) between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Chiefly, Friday PM/Saturday AM going to the shore and Sunday PM coming back to mainland.

A new bridge isn't worth it for that narrow scope of congestion relief. They can deal with it.

[Mr_Northside]

I'd just say build a new bridge. Either do one new span and use both of the current spans for one direction or build a new span for both. In the former case, make it 4-5 lanes and widen US 50 west to I-97.

I think I've opined this in the past, but if they just (and I say "just" like it's some small undertaking or something) build a new 3-lane span with full shoulders, then reduce the existing spans by a lane for shoulder space -IMO one of the big issues with the current setup is the lack of shoulders-  so the vast majority of the time it would be 3 lanes in each direction (with the lane controls to modify that as needed).

[Alps]

On the Bay Bridge that's probably a lot less practical, and costlier, than the "outside" design. Bear in mind it's not a suspension bridge all the way across the bay–only the highest portion in each direction, located over the shipping channel, is a suspension span. That means figuring out some way to cut through, or else extend, all the support columns.

Though I suspect that might be easier than adding lanes at the suspension spans. 

All together, it is certainly less difficult and maybe even cheaper, just to build another span.

I'd just say build a new bridge. Either do one new span and use both of the current spans for one direction or build a new span for both. In the former case, make it 4-5 lanes and widen US 50 west to I-97.

Then you have to widen the Severn River Bridge if you want to accomplish that. I'd rather just have it end at MD 2 at exit 23, and tell people to use MD 450 in times of congestion. Before anyone complains, as a reference this time I'm using an AADT map. US 50 traffic counts at the Severn River Bridge clocks in with 121,042 AADT. MD 450 Academy Bridge clocks in with 10,322 AADT. Dated 2014.

AADT measures nothing out of context. MD 450 can't handle that much more before Annapolis locks down.

[cpzilliacus]

On the Bay Bridge that's probably a lot less practical, and costlier, than the "outside" design. Bear in mind it's not a suspension bridge all the way across the bay–only the highest portion in each direction, located over the shipping channel, is a suspension span. That means figuring out some way to cut through, or else extend, all the support columns.

Though I suspect that might be easier than adding lanes at the suspension spans. 

All together, it is certainly less difficult and maybe even cheaper, just to build another span.

I'd just say build a new bridge. Either do one new span and use both of the current spans for one direction or build a new span for both. In the former case, make it 4-5 lanes and widen US 50 west to I-97.

Then you have to widen the Severn River Bridge if you want to accomplish that. I'd rather just have it end at MD 2 at exit 23, and tell people to use MD 450 in times of congestion. Before anyone complains, as a reference this time I'm using an AADT map. US 50 traffic counts at the Severn River Bridge clocks in with 121,042 AADT. MD 450 Academy Bridge clocks in with 10,322 AADT. Dated 2014.

AADT measures nothing out of context. MD 450 can't handle that much more before Annapolis locks down.

Md. 450 through Annapolis has very low capacity, given its route between Md. 2 (Parole, on the west side of Annapolis) and the Severn River (on the east side of town, near the Naval Academy).

[TheOneKEA]

I believe that any expansion of the Bay Bridge with a new span, either in addition to or in replacement of an existing span, will have to be accompanied by the expansion or replacement of the Severn Memorial Bridge and the replacement of the MD 2 interchange. I don't see a scenario where expanding capacity at the Bay Bridge can't be accompanied by expansion of capacity at the Severn River.

[cl94]

I believe that any expansion of the Bay Bridge with a new span, either in addition to or in replacement of an existing span, will have to be accompanied by the expansion or replacement of the Severn Memorial Bridge and the replacement of the MD 2 interchange. I don't see a scenario where expanding capacity at the Bay Bridge can't be accompanied by expansion of capacity at the Severn River.

I agree. They are both bottlenecks. If the Bay Bridge gets more than 6 lanes, the bottleneck will only move a couple miles west.

[cpzilliacus]

Washington Post: Motorcyclists stop Beltway traffic, pop wheelies and drive the wrong way

Police urged to crack down after bikers take over parts of Beltway, D.C. streets

[cpzilliacus]

Washington Post: Motorcyclists stop Beltway traffic, pop wheelies and drive the wrong way

Police urged to crack down after bikers take over parts of Beltway, D.C. streets

WTOP Radio: Troopers comb cellphone video in search for Beltway bikers

[cpzilliacus]

Three construction projects out for bid that could be of interest:

• In Prince George's County: 
  
  
  
  
  • A new bridge to carry Md. 373 (Brandywine Road) over Md. 5 in the southern part of the county, and a new commuter lot, contract number PG1755170.
  
  
  • Been waiting a lot time for this one to get funded - a grade-separated interchange at Md. 4 and the Suitland Parkway, near Joint Base Andrews, contract number PG6185170.


• In Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County, replacement of the superstructure of the bridge that carries I-895 over the Patapsco Flats between Md. 295 and the I-895-B spur (this used to be called the "Patapsco River Bridge," but after I-895 was extended south and west beyond U.S. 1 to I-95, that extension created a new Patapsco River Bridge, so they changed the name of the older structure., contract number HT-2658-000-006.


• No mention yet of the other big I-895 project - the replacement of the Canton Viaduct north of the tunnel.

[TheOneKEA]

The grade separation at MD 5 and MD 373 is very badly needed, so the sooner this contract is executed and construction begun, the better!

[froggie]

IMO, an interchange at Surratts Rd should've been a higher priority than in Brandywine.  Both are needed, but I think Surratts would have been a better choice.

Been waiting a lot time for this one to get funded - a grade-separated interchange at Md. 4 and the Suitland Parkway, near Joint Base Andrews, contract number PG6185170.

FTFY.

[BrianP]

Ugh I my pet project (I-270 at Watkins Mill Road) was supposed to go to bid.  But it's not:

Construction is not anticipated to begin as previously scheduled. The bid opening for the I-270 at Watkins Mill Road Interchange contract (SHA contract # MO3515172) was cancelled in November 2015.
Currently SHA is considering scope changes resulting in significant construction cost savings for this interchange, and analyzing the best approach to deliver it in a timely fashion.

[cpzilliacus]

IMO, an interchange at Surratts Rd should've been a higher priority than in Brandywine.  Both are needed, but I think Surratts would have been a better choice.

Have you been through there during peak commute periods?  I have, and it's bad, since Md. 5 is the way that nearly all of the traffic from Charles County wants to go (northbound) and comes from (southbound)..

Been waiting a lot time for this one to get funded - a grade-separated interchange at Md. 4 and the Suitland Parkway, near Joint Base Andrews, contract number PG6185170.

FTFY.

Thank you.

[froggie]

Quote from: froggie on Today at 09:41:19 AM
IMO, an interchange at Surratts Rd should've been a higher priority than in Brandywine.  Both are needed, but I think Surratts would have been a better choice.

Have you been through there during peak commute periods?

Not in a couple years, but yes I have.  Which is why, as I recall, SHA widened the Brandywine signals to three lanes each direction along 5.  Not perfect, but it's more work than they've done at Surratts over the past decade.  Not to mention Surratts is where the hospital is.  That, IMO, gives more weight to Surratts than to Brandywine.  Furthermore, Surratts would be a natural extension of the existing freeway segment to the north.

[cpzilliacus]

Quote from: froggie on Today at 09:41:19 AM
IMO, an interchange at Surratts Rd should've been a higher priority than in Brandywine.  Both are needed, but I think Surratts would have been a better choice.

Have you been through there during peak commute periods?

Not in a couple years, but yes I have.  Which is why, as I recall, SHA widened the Brandywine signals to three lanes each direction along 5.  Not perfect, but it's more work than they've done at Surratts over the past decade.  Not to mention Surratts is where the hospital is.  That, IMO, gives more weight to Surratts than to Brandywine.  Furthermore, Surratts would be a natural extension of the existing freeway segment to the north.

SHA's plans are to get rid of all of the at-grade signalized intersections between I-95 (Beltway) and U.S. 301 at T.B.  To some extent, this may have been a financial decision - they had the dollars available to do this project (even though it has a higher price tag) than the one at Southern Maryland Hospital), so that is why this is getting done.  I have seen similar logic at other SHA interchange projects along U.S. 29, Md. 97 and Md. 210 - and years ago, along Md. 32 between Fort Meade and Md. 108.

[TheOneKEA]

Another one bites the dust! 

http://governor.maryland.gov/2016/01/14/governor-hogan-joins-howard-county-executive-kittleman-to-announce-152-million-to-widen-md-32-to-i-70/

This is easily one of the most important collections of road projects in central MD that should have happened 15 years ago. Any forward progress that improves MD 32 and makes it safer is very welcome!

[cpzilliacus]

Another one bites the dust! 

http://governor.maryland.gov/2016/01/14/governor-hogan-joins-howard-county-executive-kittleman-to-announce-152-million-to-widen-md-32-to-i-70/

This is easily one of the most important collections of road projects in central MD that should have happened 15 years ago. Any forward progress that improves MD 32 and makes it safer is very welcome!

Good news.  Much of Md. 32 between I-70 and Md. 108 effectively functions as a Super-2 highway, even though it is not.  Also glad that they are looking to make improvements to 32 between I-70 and Md. 26 at Eldersburg.

There have been more than a few terrible crashes along this section of highway (really all the way from Md. 108 at Clarksville in the south to Md. 26 at Eldersburg in the north) over the years, because of the high speeds, plenty of truck traffic and lack of any barrier between opposing directions (except at the one new interchange at Burnt Woods Road in Glenelg). 

I recall that there was a lawsuit against doing the Md. 32 improvements some years ago in the state courts, but it was thrown out.

Baltimore Sun: Hogan announces $152 million for Md. 32 improvements

Gov. Larry Hogan unveiled a plan Thursday to spend $152 million on improvements to Md. 32, changes that Carroll and Howard county officials say could result in a major improvement in the quality of life for local commuters.

"Md. 32 simply doesn't meet the needs of Marylanders, and they deserve better," Hogan, surrounded by officials from Howard and Carroll counties, said at the news conference, hosted at the State Highway Administration building in Dayton.

The project will widen the stretch of Md. 32 – a major artery in the southeast Carroll and northern Howard County region – between Md. 108 and Interstate 70 from a two-lane road to a four-lane divided highway and study ways to widen the road and alleviate traffic north of I-70 and into Carroll County.

[froggie]

Funny how he has no problem spending the gas tax increase that the previous administration and legislature implemented and that he opposed...

And something not mentioned in the press release:  whether the existing at-grade intersections (6) and driveways (15) will be removed as part of the widening.

[Mr_Northside]

Damn... that says they're supposed to start Phase 1 this year.   That's diving right in.  Good on that.

And something not mentioned in the press release:  whether the existing at-grade intersections (6) and driveways (15) will be removed as part of the widening.

I think the plans already made for this stretch have the at-grades & driveways eliminated - there were some documents out there that showed what the plans were.
I guess they could be changed and downgraded....

[TheOneKEA]

Damn... that says they're supposed to start Phase 1 this year.   That's diving right in.  Good on that.

And something not mentioned in the press release:  whether the existing at-grade intersections (6) and driveways (15) will be removed as part of the widening.

I think the plans already made for this stretch have the at-grades & driveways eliminated - there were some documents out there that showed what the plans were.
I guess they could be changed and downgraded....

There are decade-old plans posted on the SHA Projects portal that show all six interchanges on MD 32 between MD 108 and I-70 (inclusive), as well as the new access roads that will be built to close the driveways. No such plans have been posted to the portal for the stretch between I-70 and MD 26 but if they do exist the ones for the Howard County segment will need to be built first since that is the most dangerous area.

Howard County should be close to completing their project on MD 32 just south of the county line, so that segment is already seeing some attention.

[cpzilliacus]

Funny how he has no problem spending the gas tax increase that the previous administration and legislature implemented and that he opposed...

Chest-thumping. Maryland SHA and MTA-Maryland still do not have enough money to fund needed repairs.  And I am not even talking about the numerous bridges on the Capital Beltway that need to be re-decked or replaced, or the badly-needed widening of I-270 north of Clarksburg, or the dollars that WMATA needs to repair and rehabilitate its crumbling system (including railcar replacement and fixing the leaks in the Red Line tunnel in the vicinity of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center).  Or the request for improvements at the American Legion Bridge (and the piers and pier caps on at least one of those bridges is in poor condition).

And something not mentioned in the press release:  whether the existing at-grade intersections (6) and driveways (15) will be removed as part of the widening.

Between Md. 108 and Burnt Woods Road, there is only driveway, which leads to the SHA and Howard County maintenance facilities, which requires crossing that high-speed traffic at-grade.  I presume that it will be grade-separated. Howard County, in its 2015 priority letter to MDOT for the FY 2016-2021 Consolidated Transportation Program wrote (emphasis added):

• MD 32 between MD108 and I-70. Howard County is committed to continuing safety improvements on Route 32, from MD 108 to Carroll County, our highest priority for safety improvements. We ask that the State fund the MD 32/Route 144 interchange for construction and continue to fund and construct access management improvements on MD32.

[Alps]

NOT Fictional Highways - has there ever been a thought to an outer beltway connecting MD 32 around to MD 24?