Maryland

[cpzilliacus]

Herald-Mail (from March, but will be relevant for a while): Work on I-70 bridges over I-81 to begin in early April

A $9.2 million bridge project set to get under way in early April is expected to cause traffic delays near the interchange of interstates 70 and 81 in Washington County.

The project, which will take about two years to complete over multiple phases, will replace the bridge decks, or driving surface, of all four spans along I-70 that pass over I-81, according to a Maryland State Highway Administration news release.

"There will be some traffic delays as the work zone is modified for each phase of the bridge rehabilitation project," SHA District Engineer Anthony K. Crawford said in the release. "We appreciate motorists' patience as SHA works to improve the drive for thousands of motorists who rely on this bridge every day."

Starting with the westbound bridge carrying the I-70 feeder lanes, work is expected to be completed by summer 2019, weather permitting.

[davewiecking]

For those of you in the DC/Baltimore area, MPT (Maryland's PBS affiliate) is airing a special tonight about the history of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. As I type this at 10:00 Tuesday it's on now and I only just discovered it after it had already started, so I'm not watching it. It's re-airing at 2:00 AM tomorrow (April 25) and I set my DVR for that showing. Knowing how PBS repeats stuff, I'm sure it will be on again, but I thought I'd pass it on because I didn't look for other showings.

Hope you've had a chance to watch the Chesapeake Bay Bridge documentary, but note that it's not terribly new. The version on my DVR is dated April 2011 (which means it might be time for a new cable box), and includes a 3D interlude (just stumbled across my MPT branded blue/red glasses, but the cartoon images appearing overhead as an convertible crosses the bridge are pretty lame). Some nice construction shots, the obligatory maintenance guy walking one of the cables, some film of various ferries, and a few still photos of backed up traffic on Sunday afternoons.

[BrianP]

The one place on I-270 that has gotten much, much worse since the completion of MD-200 are the LOCAL (or C-D) lanes from Shady Grove Road to the exit ramp for I-370/Sam Eig Highway. Not clear to me if the plans call for any changes there or not.

Two things will be done there.  First the loop ramp from NB Shady Grove Road will be removed and replaced with a left turn to the SB on ramp.  Second the ramp from the local lanes to the express lanes is going to be removed to cut down on weaving there.  I would assume then that of the three local lanes that are there that the right most one will become an exit only lane to I-370 instead of the auxiliary lane that's used now. And the middle lane will be an option lane.  There will still be weaving of course. 

[BrianP]

Herald-Mail (from March, but will be relevant for a while): Work on I-70 bridges over I-81 to begin in early April

This sounds like they will only replace the bridge decks. They really should expand the bridge decks since they are substandard due to lack of any shoulders.  These four bridges should be made into one continuous deck.  This way they can at least add shoulders to the mainline lanes.  It's not as crucial that the CD lanes have shoulders. 

There's no helpful details on the project page:
http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/WebProjectLifeCycle/ProjectInformation.aspx?projectno=WA2165121

Just west of there they rehabbed the bridges on I-70 and expanded them for more lanes in the future.  Why not here?

[Beltway]

Those are the parts of the Commonwealth that suffer (to varying degrees) from severe transportation system  congestion.  I had the misfortune of being on VA-3 west of I-95, and that road is rather badly congested much of the way to its junction with VA-20 at Wilderness.

Thanks to the cancellation of the Outer Connector Northwest Quadrant project, VA-3 to I-95.  In the mid-2000s there was a plan in place with a nearly completed NEPA process, that would have avoided sensitive lands as much as possible and it would have cost about $110 million.  The new I-95 interchange at Centerport Parkway was designed to accommodate the OC.

VA-3 west of I-95 is the one standout severe traffic problem in VA medium sized and small city areas, as a result of this omission.

The planned new C-D roadways on I-95 between VA-3 and US-17 at Falmouth, are a "poor man's OC NWQ", and will help a lot on I-95, but they won't provide the bypass to VA-3 west of the urbanized area.

[cpzilliacus]

Herald-Mail (from March, but will be relevant for a while): Work on I-70 bridges over I-81 to begin in early April

This sounds like they will only replace the bridge decks. They really should expand the bridge decks since they are substandard due to lack of any shoulders.  These four bridges should be made into one continuous deck.  This way they can at least add shoulders to the mainline lanes.  It's not as crucial that the CD lanes have shoulders. 

There's no helpful details on the project page:
http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/WebProjectLifeCycle/ProjectInformation.aspx?projectno=WA2165121

Just west of there they rehabbed the bridges on I-70 and expanded them for more lanes in the future.  Why not here?

Good question.  Perhaps there is so much traffic entering and exiting to/from I-81 that there is no need for added capacity on the mainline of I-70?  Though it has been SHA policy to add lanes (when possible) as part of bridge deck replacement or total replacement projects.

[cpzilliacus]

Those are the parts of the Commonwealth that suffer (to varying degrees) from severe transportation system  congestion.  I had the misfortune of being on VA-3 west of I-95, and that road is rather badly congested much of the way to its junction with VA-20 at Wilderness.

Thanks to the cancellation of the Outer Connector Northwest Quadrant project, VA-3 to I-95.  In the mid-2000s there was a plan in place with a nearly completed NEPA process, that would have avoided sensitive lands as much as possible and it would have cost about $110 million.  The new I-95 interchange at Centerport Parkway was designed to accommodate the OC.

VA-3 west of I-95 is the one standout severe traffic problem in VA medium sized and small city areas, as a result of this omission.

The planned new C-D roadways on I-95 between VA-3 and US-17 at Falmouth, are a "poor man's OC NWQ", and will help a lot on I-95, but they won't provide the bypass to VA-3 west of the urbanized area.

No dispute on any of that.  And I vigorously reject the land use impact claims of persons and groups that were opposed to the project. 

"Don't want a highway to impact land use?  Don't provide access to the highway!"

[Beltway]

Those are the parts of the Commonwealth that suffer (to varying degrees) from severe transportation system  congestion.  I had the misfortune of being on VA-3 west of I-95, and that road is rather badly congested much of the way to its junction with VA-20 at Wilderness.

Thanks to the cancellation of the Outer Connector Northwest Quadrant project, VA-3 to I-95.  In the mid-2000s there was a plan in place with a nearly completed NEPA process, that would have avoided sensitive lands as much as possible and it would have cost about $110 million.  The new I-95 interchange at Centerport Parkway was designed to accommodate the OC.

VA-3 west of I-95 is the one standout severe traffic problem in VA medium sized and small city areas, as a result of this omission.

The planned new C-D roadways on I-95 between VA-3 and US-17 at Falmouth, are a "poor man's OC NWQ", and will help a lot on I-95, but they won't provide the bypass to VA-3 west of the urbanized area.

No dispute on any of that.  And I vigorously reject the land use impact claims of persons and groups that were opposed to the project. 

"Don't want a highway to impact land use?  Don't provide access to the highway!"

The design did reduce impacts to land use by providing only one interchange between VA-3 and I-95, that at US-17.  That also helped to reduce the estimated construction costs.

The I-95 collector-distributor roadways between south of VA-3 and north of US-17, actually was one of the Outer Connector alternates studied.

[ixnay]

Harrison Street where it passes through a lumber yard in Berlin has reopened.

https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2017/05/24/berlins-harrison-avenue-open-again-due-to-1903-easement/

ixnay

[Bitmapped]

Herald-Mail (from March, but will be relevant for a while): Work on I-70 bridges over I-81 to begin in early April

This sounds like they will only replace the bridge decks. They really should expand the bridge decks since they are substandard due to lack of any shoulders.  These four bridges should be made into one continuous deck.  This way they can at least add shoulders to the mainline lanes.  It's not as crucial that the CD lanes have shoulders. 

There's no helpful details on the project page:
http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/WebProjectLifeCycle/ProjectInformation.aspx?projectno=WA2165121

Just west of there they rehabbed the bridges on I-70 and expanded them for more lanes in the future.  Why not here?

Good question.  Perhaps there is so much traffic entering and exiting to/from I-81 that there is no need for added capacity on the mainline of I-70?  Though it has been SHA policy to add lanes (when possible) as part of bridge deck replacement or total replacement projects.

They've added a third lane on the I-70 bridges they've rebuilt to the west of I-81, so you'd think they'd at least want to keep three continuous lanes if they ever widen. My guess is they're trying to do this on the cheap.

[1995hoo]

For those of you in the DC/Baltimore area, MPT (Maryland's PBS affiliate) is airing a special tonight about the history of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. As I type this at 10:00 Tuesday it's on now and I only just discovered it after it had already started, so I'm not watching it. It's re-airing at 2:00 AM tomorrow (April 25) and I set my DVR for that showing. Knowing how PBS repeats stuff, I'm sure it will be on again, but I thought I'd pass it on because I didn't look for other showings.

Hope you've had a chance to watch the Chesapeake Bay Bridge documentary, but note that it's not terribly new. The version on my DVR is dated April 2011 (which means it might be time for a new cable box), and includes a 3D interlude (just stumbled across my MPT branded blue/red glasses, but the cartoon images appearing overhead as an convertible crosses the bridge are pretty lame). Some nice construction shots, the obligatory maintenance guy walking one of the cables, some film of various ferries, and a few still photos of backed up traffic on Sunday afternoons.

It's on my DVR but I have not had a chance to watch it yet. 3D won't do much for me.  Oh well.

[cpzilliacus]

WTOP Radio: I-270 tolls, Metro among top Montgomery Co. transport priorities; Metro GM responds on Red Line issues

[Emphasis added below]

Before the vote, members highlighted the need to improve commutes along I-270 by extending the 495 Express Lanes across the Legion Bridge and up 270. They also focused on major improvements for Metro, the hope that the Purple Line state-run light rail line will move forward, other road widening projects, and bus rapid transit.

[Beltway]

For those of you in the DC/Baltimore area, MPT (Maryland's PBS affiliate) is airing a special tonight about the history of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. As I type this at 10:00 Tuesday it's on now and I only just discovered it after it had already started, so I'm not watching it. It's re-airing at 2:00 AM tomorrow (April 25) and I set my DVR for that showing. Knowing how PBS repeats stuff, I'm sure it will be on again, but I thought I'd pass it on because I didn't look for other showings.

Hope you've had a chance to watch the Chesapeake Bay Bridge documentary, but note that it's not terribly new. The version on my DVR is dated April 2011 (which means it might be time for a new cable box), and includes a 3D interlude (just stumbled across my MPT branded blue/red glasses, but the cartoon images appearing overhead as an convertible crosses the bridge are pretty lame). Some nice construction shots, the obligatory maintenance guy walking one of the cables, some film of various ferries, and a few still photos of backed up traffic on Sunday afternoons.

The video is on their website --

http://video.mpt.tv/video/2365236730/

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge: Spanning the Bay
Aired: 04/20/2014
57:18

In 1952 the Chesapeake Bay Bridge changed everything for Maryland, with far-reaching effects on everything from commerce to commuting. It fueled the growing tourism industry, transforming tiny beachside resorts like Ocean City into bustling summertime destinations. Discover the vision, struggles, and engineering genius that led to the creation of this state treasure!

[TheOneKEA]

Does anyone have any news on the next segment of any Maryland freeway that will have its speed limit raised to 70mph? Nothing seems to have been announced or discussed since the change on I-70 in April 2016.

I'm also wondering if US 340 in Frederick County is being studied for a speed limit increase to 70mph.

[MASTERNC]

Does anyone have any news on the next segment of any Maryland freeway that will have its speed limit raised to 70mph? Nothing seems to have been announced or discussed since the change on I-70 in April 2016.

I'm also wondering if US 340 in Frederick County is being studied for a speed limit increase to 70mph.

I'd love to see I-95 north of Baltimore go to 70 - everyone is going at least that speed.  However, I think traffic counts might preclude it.

[Alps]

Does anyone have any news on the next segment of any Maryland freeway that will have its speed limit raised to 70mph? Nothing seems to have been announced or discussed since the change on I-70 in April 2016.

I'm also wondering if US 340 in Frederick County is being studied for a speed limit increase to 70mph.

I'd love to see I-95 north of Baltimore go to 70 - everyone is going at least that speed.  However, I think traffic counts might preclude it.

Speed limits are based on free flow traffic conditions. Interchange density is a factor but volume is not.

[NJRoadfan]

I-95 in Cecil County would be a good candidate for a bump to 70mph. Very few exits there.

[ekt8750]

I-95 in Cecil County would be a good candidate for a bump to 70mph. Very few exits there.

I would do 70 on 95 all the way to the 695 interchange in Towson. Maybe drop it to 65 over the Millard Tydings Bridge.

[Jmiles32]

http://wtop.com/dc-transit/2017/07/new-bridge-over-i-270-aims-at-easing-gaithersburg-congestion/
Anyone know what the actual design of this interchange will be?

[BrianP]

http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/WebProjectLifeCycle/MO351_21/HTDOCS/Maps/Final_Design/I270_WatkinsMill_091114.pdf

Basically it's a diamond.  They did a good job of eliminating the weaving in the southbound direction.  I'll really appreciate it since I use that exit in the morning when I opt to use I-270.  The northbound weave likely will really suck.  It's unclear how the exit will be setup in the northbound direction.  They should make the traffic exiting at the new exit have to be in the local lanes so the weaving of entering and exiting cars happens in the local lanes instead of it happening in the main lanes.  It sucks that it doesn't show how the lanes will be setup for the northbound lanes. 

[Jmiles32]

http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/WebProjectLifeCycle/MO351_21/HTDOCS/Maps/Final_Design/I270_WatkinsMill_091114.pdf

Basically it's a diamond.  They did a good job of eliminating the weaving in the southbound direction.  I'll really appreciate it since I use that exit in the morning when I opt to use I-270.  The northbound weave likely will really suck.  It's unclear how the exit will be setup in the northbound direction.  They should make the traffic exiting at the new exit have to be in the local lanes so the weaving of entering and exiting cars happens in the local lanes instead of it happening in the main lanes.  It sucks that it doesn't show how the lanes will be setup for the northbound lanes. 

Definitely think the bridge over I-270 is necessary, but a full interchange half a mile from an already existing one? Would it be too costly/not feasible to just upgrade the MD-124 interchange? IMHO that $98 million would have better spent towards either extending the local lanes up to Germantown or widening the four lane section of I-270 between Clarksburg and Fredrick.

[davewiecking]

Definitely think the bridge over I-270 is necessary, but a full interchange half a mile from an already existing one? Would it be too costly/not feasible to just upgrade the MD-124 interchange? IMHO that $98 million would have better spent towards either extending the local lanes up to Germantown or widening the four lane section of I-270 between Clarksburg and Fredrick.

I think it's not so much the traffic trying to use the MD-124 interchange that could stand to be moved elsewhere, but the amount of traffic that's then fed into the adjacent MD-355/MD-124 intersection (especially the left turn onto NB MD-355).

[jcn]

Since there's been some discussion relating to I-95 north of Baltimore, I thought I'd share this.  Up until a year ago, there was lighting along I-95 approaching the Tydings Bridge in both directions.  (I wonder why the lights were only on the northbound side on both sides of the bridge though?)  But then, last summer they replaced the lighting at the exits on both sides of the bridge.  Driving in the northbound direction, at exit 89, the high mast lights were replaced with low level lighting that they only placed at where the ramps enter and exit.  Because of this, the stretch from exit 89 to the Tydings Bridge approach is now a lot darker at night and it's a bit concerning given how there's a big curve right before approaching the bridge.  The southbound direction isn't much better either.  At exit 93, they did put up new high mast lights, and they are a lot brighter than the old ones, but there's also a big curve right before approaching the bridge in the southbound direction, and unlike with the old lights, the new ones literally stop right before the curve, and therefore, the road all of the sudden becomes dark once you reach the curve.  (And just like with the old lights, the new lights from exit 93 to where they stop are also only of the northbound side.)  This concerns me in the fact that it will cause horrible accidents.  What are your thoughts on this?

[tckma]

What are your thoughts on this?

Politics?

Maryland is one of the bluest of the blue states.  Gov. Hogan, a Republican, was elected on campaign promises of (among other things) reducing toll rates in the state.  He delivered on that promise, and the Tydings Bridge is no longer $8.00 to cross -- the toll was lowered to $6.00.

Now, I imagine the folks at SHA and MdTA are largely Democratic in their political viewpoints, by a sheer numbers game -- since the bulk of Maryland's population is politically liberal, so too must be the employees at the highway departments.

This might have been a political move.  "Gee, the new lighting is inadequate.  We'll need to raise tolls to raise the money to put in better lighting.  Back up to $8.00!"

On the other hand, I could just be a cynic.

Living up in "ker'l koun'y" as I do I don't have much reason to ever cross that bridge -- when visiting relatives in Connecticut, I generally hop on US-15 and then take I-78 to I-287 to the NY Thruway to 287 to 684 to 84... so maybe I can't comment.  But I will anyway.

[jcn]

This might have been a political move.  "Gee, the new lighting is inadequate.  We'll need to raise tolls to raise the money to put in better lighting.  Back up to $8.00!"

Overall, I liked how they replaced the lights on both ends of the Tydings Bridge.  The old lights were erected in like the 70's or 80's and used mercury vapor lighting, and were very poorly lit.

At Exit 89, replacing the high masts with low level lighting makes sense given that it's not a busy interchange at all.

At Exit 93, I think they put up new high mast lights because of the toll plaza and the weigh stations being there.  The new high mast lights are 1000W sodium vapors, and are therefore a lot brighter than the old lights.  And the new high mast lights have up to 10 luminaries as well.

What I shared above is just a small criticism regarding the project.