Maryland

[froggie]

No plans for DE 404 from the occasional foray I make to DelDOT's website.

[Mr_Northside]

Holy shit. I read (thru articles posted on these forums) that extending the 4-lane section to US-50 was in some recent MD budget plan.... but I didn't even know that they started it, let alone have now completed it.
Now they just need to put in an interchange with US-50.

[Beltway]

Holy shit. I read (thru articles posted on these forums) that extending the 4-lane section to US-50 was in some recent MD budget plan.... but I didn't even know that they started it, let alone have now completed it.
Now they just need to put in an interchange with US-50.

MDOT SHA has projects for that, as well as for the 6-lane widening of US-50 between US-301 and MD-404, and an interchange at MD-213 and MD-18, but no funding in the Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for right-of-way or construction.

http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/webprojectlifecycle/ProjectInformation.aspx?projectno=QA2362317
Scope: 
This project consists of an interchange on US 50 to replace the existing at-grade intersection at MD 404 and a service road from MD 404 to Lake Drive. The interchange will be a full diamond and will replace the signalized intersection. The project also includes the construction of a service road along eastbound US 50 from Lake Drive to MD 404. A Park N Ride will also be constructed in the northwest quadrant to replace the existing one. 

For the corridor --
Description: 
Widen existing US 50 from US 301 at Queenstown to MD 404 (13.8 miles) to 6 lanes, acquire access controls, and replace at-grade intersections with interchanges. Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations will be included where appropriate. 

...
This has been in planning since the 1970s, I have copies of the study brochures.  Never yet funded.

I would recommend including a semi-directional ramp between EB US-50 and EB MD-404.

[BrianP]

From one eastern shore widening to another.
GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION START FOR THE FINAL PHASE OF US 113 WIDENING

Governor Larry Hogan today announced the start of construction on the final phase of widening US 113 (Worcester Highway). This $82.3 million congestion relief project widens US 113 from two lanes to four lanes with a median from MD 365 (Public Landing Road) to Five Mile Branch Road.

The new lanes will open to traffic on the 4.3-mile section in fall 2019, with disincentives to the contractor per day beyond.

[RoadPelican]

In terms of MD 404, I believe that the remaining two lane section from MD 16 to the Delaware line is on the drawing board but no funding at the moment.

As for Delaware 404, I think that State is too occupied with getting Route 1 up to freeway standards.  Plus, there is going to be a lot of work on US 113 over the next twenty years between Millsboro and Ellenton.  I think best case scenario on Delaware 404 getting widened is 30 years from now unless they can elect a Governor like Hogan who will build better roads in the whole state and not just the urban areas.

[davewiecking]

Meant to post this last week when I read it. MD Secy of Transportation Pete Rahn appeared before the Montgomery County Council to discuss the state's ideas to widen the interstates.

https://wtop.com/maryland/2017/11/montgomery-co-leaders-hear-states-plans-ease-beltway-270-congestion/

"There were concerns expressed about whether or not the American Legion Bridge would be included in the expansion project, and Rahn confirmed that it would be."

Basically, they have no plans beyond "a PPP project to make toll lanes" and are relying on the private sector to come up with the details...

[Jmiles32]

In terms of MD 404, I believe that the remaining two lane section from MD 16 to the Delaware line is on the drawing board but no funding at the moment.

As for Delaware 404, I think that State is too occupied with getting Route 1 up to freeway standards.  Plus, there is going to be a lot of work on US 113 over the next twenty years between Millsboro and Ellenton.  I think best case scenario on Delaware 404 getting widened is 30 years from now unless they can elect a Governor like Hogan who will build better roads in the whole state and not just the urban areas.

If Maryland were to complete widening 404 all the way to Delaware State Line, it would definitely put the pressure on Delaware to seriously consider widening its portion of 404 to at least US-113.

Meant to post this last week when I read it. MD Secy of Transportation Pete Rahn appeared before the Montgomery County Council to discuss the state's ideas to widen the interstates.

https://wtop.com/maryland/2017/11/montgomery-co-leaders-hear-states-plans-ease-beltway-270-congestion/

"There were concerns expressed about whether or not the American Legion Bridge would be included in the expansion project, and Rahn confirmed that it would be."

Basically, they have no plans beyond "a PPP project to make toll lanes" and are relying on the private sector to come up with the details...

Very interested to see what ideas the private sector comes with, especially for the tight section of the Capital Beltway between I-270 and I-95. Could end up seeing something very similar to the underground and extremely impressive I-635 TEXpress lanes near Dallas.

[BrianP]

If Maryland were to complete widening 404 all the way to Delaware State Line, it would definitely put the pressure on Delaware to seriously consider widening its portion of 404 to at least US-113.

Is it worth even doing that in MD?  I'm not so familiar with shore traffic patterns.  But I can see traffic possibly dispersing in the Denton area utilizing three routes.  First is of course 404/US 9|US 113.  Second is the MD/DE 16 route. And third is the MD 317/DE 14 route.  Since traffic has alternate routes eastward with differing destinations, again are anymore improvements needed?  The interchanges mentioned in DE sound warranted when you have the east-west corridors crossing the north-south corridors. 

[Jmiles32]

If Maryland were to complete widening 404 all the way to Delaware State Line, it would definitely put the pressure on Delaware to seriously consider widening its portion of 404 to at least US-113.

Is it worth even doing that in MD?  I'm not so familiar with shore traffic patterns.  But I can see traffic possibly dispersing in the Denton area utilizing three routes.  First is of course 404/US 9|US 113.  Second is the MD/DE 16 route. And third is the MD 317/DE 14 route.  Since traffic has alternate routes eastward with differing destinations, again are anymore improvements needed?  The interchanges mentioned in DE sound warranted when you have the east-west corridors crossing the north-south corridors.

Good point however 404 is still the most direct route to the Delaware beaches and assuming that most beach-bound travelers are driving based on what their GPS says, I think that unless these alternate routes are more heavily signed as such, 404 could still benefit from be widened further.

Also as much I wouldn't mind seeing US-113 get some interchanges, is that even feasible without hugely impacting the many homes and businesses in close vicinity to these intersections?

[froggie]

From one eastern shore widening to another.
GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION START FOR THE FINAL PHASE OF US 113 WIDENING

Governor Larry Hogan today announced the start of construction on the final phase of widening US 113 (Worcester Highway). This $82.3 million congestion relief project widens US 113 from two lanes to four lanes with a median from MD 365 (Public Landing Road) to Five Mile Branch Road.

The new lanes will open to traffic on the 4.3-mile section in fall 2019, with disincentives to the contractor per day beyond.

113 isn't congested.  4-laning that last segment makes sense from a consistency and safety perspective, but to call it "congestion relief" is a serious misnomer.

[Alps]

From one eastern shore widening to another.
GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION START FOR THE FINAL PHASE OF US 113 WIDENING

Governor Larry Hogan today announced the start of construction on the final phase of widening US 113 (Worcester Highway). This $82.3 million congestion relief project widens US 113 from two lanes to four lanes with a median from MD 365 (Public Landing Road) to Five Mile Branch Road.

The new lanes will open to traffic on the 4.3-mile section in fall 2019, with disincentives to the contractor per day beyond.

113 isn't congested.  4-laning that last segment makes sense from a consistency and safety perspective, but to call it "congestion relief" is a serious misnomer.

I would argue it helps relieve congestion on 13, but 13 isn't that congested either.

[sparker]

From one eastern shore widening to another.
GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION START FOR THE FINAL PHASE OF US 113 WIDENING

Governor Larry Hogan today announced the start of construction on the final phase of widening US 113 (Worcester Highway). This $82.3 million congestion relief project widens US 113 from two lanes to four lanes with a median from MD 365 (Public Landing Road) to Five Mile Branch Road.

The new lanes will open to traffic on the 4.3-mile section in fall 2019, with disincentives to the contractor per day beyond.

113 isn't congested.  4-laning that last segment makes sense from a consistency and safety perspective, but to call it "congestion relief" is a serious misnomer.

I would argue it helps relieve congestion on 13, but 13 isn't that congested either.

Since DE has long indicated that they're emphasizing US 113 as their preferred N-S through corridor, it might seem as if the MD expansion effort is intended to address potential traffic increases as a result of effective diversion further north across the state line.  Given that there's a substantial amount of truck traffic on US 13 (albeit a portion of it to and from the industrial area around Salisbury), it would make sense to, via signage and other methods, attempt to steer automobile and recreational traffic to US 113. 

[froggie]

Speaking from long personal experience, though, there's not a whole lot of long-distance traffic on the Delmarva.  Certainly not enough to warrant widening one route as "congestion relief" for another.

[ixnay]

From one eastern shore widening to another.
GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION START FOR THE FINAL PHASE OF US 113 WIDENING

Governor Larry Hogan today announced the start of construction on the final phase of widening US 113 (Worcester Highway). This $82.3 million congestion relief project widens US 113 from two lanes to four lanes with a median from MD 365 (Public Landing Road) to Five Mile Branch Road.

The new lanes will open to traffic on the 4.3-mile section in fall 2019, with disincentives to the contractor per day beyond.

113 isn't congested.  4-laning that last segment makes sense from a consistency and safety perspective, but to call it "congestion relief" is a serious misnomer.

I would argue it helps relieve congestion on 13, but 13 isn't that congested either.

Except in the golden mile around Barnes & Noble, the Centre at Salisbury, etc. north of the Salisbury Bypass.  At least that's how I experienced it a week and a half ago while vacationing in Bethany Beach and went to B&N looking for (and buying) a railroad magazine unavailable anywhere in my area (or at the DE beaches, OC, or West OC).

ixnay

[cpzilliacus]

Meant to post this last week when I read it. MD Secy of Transportation Pete Rahn appeared before the Montgomery County Council to discuss the state's ideas to widen the interstates.

https://wtop.com/maryland/2017/11/montgomery-co-leaders-hear-states-plans-ease-beltway-270-congestion/

"There were concerns expressed about whether or not the American Legion Bridge would be included in the expansion project, and Rahn confirmed that it would be."

Basically, they have no plans beyond "a PPP project to make toll lanes" and are relying on the private sector to come up with the details...

Washington Post: Maryland transportation officials invite companies to hear details of highway expansion and tolling plan

Maryland transportation officials have scheduled a Dec. 13 forum for companies interested in a public-private partnership to add express toll lanes to the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270.

The meeting at the BWI Airport Marriott will provide companies more details about Gov. Larry Hogan's plan to add four toll lanes to each highway via a $7.6 billion public-private partnership. Under the agreement, a team of companies would design, build and finance the lanes' construction in exchange for operating the lanes and collecting toll revenues long-term. Maryland officials have said regular travel lanes will remain free, and the state will face no risks if toll revenues are less than projected.

[Beltway]

(comPost) The meeting at the BWI Airport Marriott will provide companies more details about Gov. Larry Hogan's plan to add four toll lanes to each highway via a $7.6 billion public-private partnership. Under the agreement, a team of companies would design, build and finance the lanes' construction in exchange for operating the lanes and collecting toll revenues long-term. Maryland officials have said regular travel lanes will remain free, and the state will face no risks if toll revenues are less than projected.

NEPA location/EIS studies?  They need at least 4 years if they haven't already started the process.  Also need to coordinate with Virginia on I-495.

[cpzilliacus]

NEPA location/EIS studies?  They need at least 4 years if they haven't already started the process.  Also need to coordinate with Virginia on I-495.

There's also a significant amount of Section 4(f) resources (mostly in the form of federal parkland) that abuts I-495 (the Capital Beltway) on the Virginia and Maryland sides of the American Legion Bridge crossing.

Some of the study required of Section 4(f) lands can be done as part of the NEPA process that you mention above, but regardless, it must be done before the federal government can allow construction work to happen.  And if the federal government fails to assure that all of it gets done, then the federal courts will almost certainly bring everything to a screeching halt.

[Beltway]

NEPA location/EIS studies?  They need at least 4 years if they haven't already started the process.  Also need to coordinate with Virginia on I-495.

There's also a significant amount of Section 4(f) resources (mostly in the form of federal parkland) that abuts I-495 (the Capital Beltway) on the Virginia and Maryland sides of the American Legion Bridge crossing.
Some of the study required of Section 4(f) lands can be done as part of the NEPA process that you mention above, but regardless, it must be done before the federal government can allow construction work to happen.  And if the federal government fails to assure that all of it gets done, then the federal courts will almost certainly bring everything to a screeching halt.

I would like to see the two states do a full NEPA process on installing HOT lanes on I-495 between VA-267 and I-270 Spur, as soon as possible.

[plain]

I'm definitely all for extending the HOT lanes on the Beltway up to I-270, that's a no-brainer. But on I-270 itself, I wonder.. what part are they pondering on? It would have to be on the part that isn't already 2-4-4-2 right?

[1995hoo]

WTOP reports this morning that the ICC had 30 million trips in 2016, second only to the Fort McHenry Tunnel (42.6 million) statewide.

It'd be interesting to see data about starting and ending points for those trips.

https://wtop.com/dc-transit/2017/11/aaa-mid-atlantic-maryland-200-intercounty-connector/

[Beltway]

WTOP reports this morning that the ICC had 30 million trips in 2016, second only to the Fort McHenry Tunnel (42.6 million) statewide.
It'd be interesting to see data about starting and ending points for those trips.
https://wtop.com/dc-transit/2017/11/aaa-mid-atlantic-maryland-200-intercounty-connector/

What is the AADT along various sections?

[1995hoo]

WTOP reports this morning that the ICC had 30 million trips in 2016, second only to the Fort McHenry Tunnel (42.6 million) statewide.
It'd be interesting to see data about starting and ending points for those trips.
https://wtop.com/dc-transit/2017/11/aaa-mid-atlantic-maryland-200-intercounty-connector/

What is the AADT along various sections?

Article doesn't say. Maybe cpzilliacus knows.

[cpzilliacus]

What is the AADT along various sections?

Article doesn't say. Maybe cpzilliacus knows.

At the far west end near the Shady Grove Metro station, the 2016 AADT is about 52,000 (compare and contrast with untolled I-370 between the west end of MD-200 and I-270, where the AADT is over 102,000). Between U.S. 29 and I-95, the AADT is about 44,000. East of I-95, traffic volumes are much lower, at about 9,000.

[Beltway]

What is the AADT along various sections?

Article doesn't say. Maybe cpzilliacus knows.

At the far west end near the Shady Grove Metro station, the 2016 AADT is about 52,000 (compare and contrast with untolled I-370 between the west end of MD-200 and I-270, where the AADT is over 102,000). Between U.S. 29 and I-95, the AADT is about 44,000.

That is getting substantial, and is more befitting of the 6-lane freeway that it is.

East of I-95, traffic volumes are much lower, at about 9,000.

Stub connection to US-1, not surprising.

I went to Frederick on Thanksgiving, and took the opportunity to travel the ICC in both directions, the first time I did since the final segment to US-1 was completed.  Toll was $2.98 each way.

It is a bit odd how I-370 simply becomes MD-200 on the same 6-lane freeway.  The segment into the Metro station apparently is no longer part of I-370, and it now has a trumpet interchange with the main freeway.  Is there any reason why MD-200 could not be designated as an Interstate highway?  It could be an extension of I-370, or perhaps the whole thing could be designated as I-470 since it would not be a spur, in that it connects I-270 to I-95.

[cpzilliacus]

What is the AADT along various sections?

Article doesn't say. Maybe cpzilliacus knows.

At the far west end near the Shady Grove Metro station, the 2016 AADT is about 52,000 (compare and contrast with untolled I-370 between the west end of MD-200 and I-270, where the AADT is over 102,000). Between U.S. 29 and I-95, the AADT is about 44,000.

That is getting substantial, and is more befitting of the 6-lane freeway that it is.

East of I-95, traffic volumes are much lower, at about 9,000.

Stub connection to US-1, not surprising.

Was supposed to go to either Baltimore-Washington Parkway (unsigned MD-295) south of MD-197; or U.S. 50 (John Hanson Highway) near Freeway Airport; or U.S. 301 (Crain Highway) near Leeland Road.

I went to Frederick on Thanksgiving, and took the opportunity to travel the ICC in both directions, the first time I did since the final segment to US-1 was completed.  Toll was $2.98 each way.

That's the toll weekdays in the middle of the day. 

It is a bit odd how I-370 simply becomes MD-200 on the same 6-lane freeway.  The segment into the Metro station apparently is no longer part of I-370, and it now has a trumpet interchange with the main freeway.  Is there any reason why MD-200 could not be designated as an Interstate highway?  It could be an extension of I-370, or perhaps the whole thing could be designated as I-470 since it would not be a spur, in that it connects I-270 to I-95.

The part of I-370 that ran past Shady Grove Road and into the Shady Grove rail station is now unsigned MD-200A.

MD-200UL was the number in the MD/SHA Highway Location Reference going back at least 30 years, maybe more.  There's also the matter of the decidedly  non-Interstate signalized intersection where MD-200 ends at U.S. 1.