Maryland

[1995hoo]

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.2391027,-76.6145037,3a,75y,270h,89.84t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1scPGu3pvMpws5x7W6jekWew!2e0
Am I seeing correct here as Richmond, VA is being directed via Exit 6 on I-895 here onto MD 3 to US 301 and not on I-95?

The sign is directing Richmond traffic to take I-97 to MD-3 and then US-301. Note the word "TO" prior to the Route 3 shield. It is the most direct route from there to Richmond and involves using a crossing for which Maryland charges a toll (the Gov. Harry Nice Bridge over the Potomac). Whether it's the fastest route can vary wildly depending on a lot of factors.

I've used the I-97/MD-3/US-50/I-495 route home from Baltimore (I live just south of Alexandria, Virginia) and I think I like it better than taking I-95 because there's a lot less traffic and it doesn't take very much longer. The frequent congestion on I-95 and the Beltway (to say nothing of the seemingly never-ending construction projects) is one good reason to encourage people to use another route south from Baltimore, even if they do ultimately return to I-95.


Edited to add: For what it's worth, I went to Google Maps, dropped a pin at the Harbor Tunnel toll plaza, and asked for directions to "Richmond, VA," without specifying a more detailed endpoint (it chose a spot outside the federal courthouse downtown). It listed the first-choice option as being the Baltimore—Washington Parkway and then I-95. Obviously the signs do not suggest that route due to truck restrictions. When I dragged it to use I-95 between Baltimore and DC, it then sent me around the western side of the Beltway. When I then dragged it to the eastern side (which is generally the faster route and the preferred thru route), it said total distance is 156 miles. Using the I-97/MD-3/US-301 route, it says the distance is 145 miles (once you reach Bowling Green, Virginia, it sends you down VA-207 to I-95 rather than using the two-lane segment of US-301 all the way down). So really the difference is minimal either way.

[Roadrunner75]

The sign is directing Richmond traffic to take I-97 to MD-3 and then US-301. Note the word "TO" prior to the Route 3 shield. It is the most direct route from there to Richmond and involves using a crossing for which Maryland charges a toll (the Gov. Harry Nice Bridge over the Potomac). Whether it's the fastest route can vary wildly depending on a lot of factors.

My brother who lives a little south of Richmond always uses 301 to come up to NJ to avoid traffic on 95 in DC and Baltimore.  I've done it too a few times, and while I like the route north of Annapolis (301 through the eastern shore of MD and up into DE), I'm not a big fan of the route between the Potomac and US 50 with all the lights and increasing amount of traffic.

Although I look forward to the 301 project in Delaware to connect to DE 1, it will probably make the leg of 301 south of 50 all that much worse when more people figure it out as a bypass to 95.

[TheOneKEA]

The segment of US 301 immediately south of US 50 is one of the worst parts, and there is a project on the books to grade-separate three of the four signalized intersections along that segment and to close the fourth. The diagram also shows that the US 301 mainline will be quadrupled with C-D lanes for the new interchanges as well as access to and from US 50 east and west.

The rest of US 301 will continue to be horrible though, especially the US 301/MD 5 duplex and the lengthy segment through Waldorf.

[1995hoo]

The segment around Waldorf can be frustrating. For me it's easy to avoid it on trips south because of where I live; I take MD-210 down to Accokeek and then I have a variety of options for connecting across to Route 301. But 210 is not exactly the greatest route either due to a lot of very aggressive drivers and very dangerous driving. I try to avoid that road on weekend nights. The road itself is fine, it's the drivers who frequent it who are the hazard.

[Henry]

The segment of US 301 immediately south of US 50 is one of the worst parts, and there is a project on the books to grade-separate three of the four signalized intersections along that segment and to close the fourth. The diagram also shows that the US 301 mainline will be quadrupled with C-D lanes for the new interchanges as well as access to and from US 50 east and west.

The rest of US 301 will continue to be horrible though, especially the US 301/MD 5 duplex and the lengthy segment through Waldorf.

I know there have been plans to upgrade US 301 further east towards Wilmington, DE. Perhaps this can be a prelude to an all-freeway bypass of I-95 to the east (including VA 207 on the other side of the Potomac), but it would be mostly decades away from reality. IMO, the routing of I-97 was completely screwed up when the original plans were scrapped due to the cancellation of the part that was to run down the MD 3 corridor. Otherwise, it could've easily tied into the upgraded US 301.

[Laura]

I was in the White Marsh area this weekend and noticed the I-95 ETL project is near completion.  I was surprised to see, however, that there are ETL ramps being built for NB entrance/SB exit for MD 43.  I was under the impression these movements were tabled due to funding issues.

The ETL ramps at I-95 and I-695 were tabled. The bridges at MD 43 were past life expectancy and needed to be replaced anyway.

I recall that being the case with the I-695 interchange but even MDTA's own diagrams of entrances/exits only show NB exit and SB entrance to White Marsh Blvd.

Right. There's no need to build separate SB entrance and NB exit ramps at this point. The ETL lanes will begin/end just north of the interchange.

ETA: Mike thinks they are building them? I'll drive by and check them out shortly. (I only live like 2 miles from there).

Sorry, I checked this out but never came back to report on it. Yes, the SB entrance and NB exit ramps have been built, but they will be closed to users. The new SB BGSs say "no access to 43 or 695" on them.


iPhone

[cpzilliacus]

The segment of US 301 immediately south of US 50 is one of the worst parts, and there is a project on the books to grade-separate three of the four signalized intersections along that segment and to close the fourth. The diagram also shows that the US 301 mainline will be quadrupled with C-D lanes for the new interchanges as well as access to and from US 50 east and west.

The rest of US 301 will continue to be horrible though, especially the US 301/MD 5 duplex and the lengthy segment through Waldorf.

I know there have been plans to upgrade US 301 further east towards Wilmington, DE. Perhaps this can be a prelude to an all-freeway bypass of I-95 to the east (including VA 207 on the other side of the Potomac), but it would be mostly decades away from reality. IMO, the routing of I-97 was completely screwed up when the original plans were scrapped due to the cancellation of the part that was to run down the MD 3 corridor. Otherwise, it could've easily tied into the upgraded US 301.

The Maryland Smart Growth industry (groups like this, this and this) would have a collective fit, and it might take 50 years of fighting with them to get a win.

[MASTERNC]

Sorry, I checked this out but never came back to report on it. Yes, the SB entrance and NB exit ramps have been built, but they will be closed to users. The new SB BGSs say "no access to 43 or 695" on them.

iPhone

Strange they decided to build those ramps but not open them (unless they expect to use them in the future).

[Laura]

Sorry, I checked this out but never came back to report on it. Yes, the SB entrance and NB exit ramps have been built, but they will be closed to users. The new SB BGSs say "no access to 43 or 695" on them.

iPhone

Strange they decided to build those ramps but not open them (unless they expect to use them in the future).

They do, once they extend the toll lanes into Harford County in the distant future.


iPhone

[froggie]

One direct transportation item of note for Maryland from yesterday's election.  Voters approved a "lockbox" on the Transportation Trust Fund, preventing the state from diverting money from the TTF unless the Governor declares a "fiscal emergency" and 2/3 of the General Assembly agrees.

http://www.wtop.com/46/3736324/Voters-Dont-raid-Md-transportation-money

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/campaign-2014/bs-md-state-ballot-questions-20141104-story.html

[cpzilliacus]

Cecil Whig: County Council seeks public input on toll relief

ELKTON – Cecil County has not given up its battle with the Maryland Transportation Authority to provide additional toll relief for local business owners that see the Susquehanna River tolls as an economic barrier, isolating Cecil County from a majority of Maryland.

The Cecil County Council has scheduled a meeting with MdTA officials in Baltimore on Thursday, Nov. 20.

Council President Robert Hodge and County Executive Tari Moore are asking for any and all stakeholders seeking a reduction in tolls, especially for multi-axle vehicles, to attend a preparation meeting at 2 p.m. on Nov. 13 in the Elk Room.

[TheOneKEA]

The BBS on I-895 north past Lombard Street has been patched. It says that the ETLs are scheduled to open in December.

[cpzilliacus]

Baltimore Sun: Maryland threatens to block or yank vehicle registration of 131,000 toll violators

It's time for toll violators in Maryland to pay up or get off the road, the Maryland Transportation Authority said Thursday.

The agency that operates tolling on highways, bridges and tunnels across the state will begin sending notices next week to some 131,000 vehicle owners, informing them they will have their vehicle registration blocked or yanked entirely if they don't pay what they owe in tolls and associated citations.

The agency is trying to recoup an estimated $7.1 million in accumulated unpaid tolls.

Most of the indebted drivers lack an E-ZPass device but went through E-ZPass lanes in the state anyway. Some arrived at tolls without any money, then failed to follow directions for how to pay. All received an initial notice for payment under the state's video tolling system, and all subsequently received a $50 civil citation for noncompliance.

[cpzilliacus]

Washington Post: Transitway or toll lanes: How will Hogan relieve traffic in I-270 corridor?

Anyone who has slogged through rush hour on Interstate 270 knows that traffic is only getting worse as upper Montgomery County, Frederick County and points beyond continue to grow. But whether relief from gridlock will come in the form of dedicated bus lanes or a wider I-270 with express toll lanes likely will depend on what Maryland Gov.-elect Larry Hogan (R) decides in the coming months.

Under Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), the Maryland Transit Administration has focused on planning a Corridor Cities Transitway (CCT) that would have buses ferry people between the Shady Grove Metrorail station and the Metropolitan Grove area of Gaithersburg in dedicated, traffic-free lanes. O'Malley's Republican predecessor, Gov. Robert Ehrlich, also had considered the possibility of widening I-270 by adding express toll lanes – an approach that the O'Malley administration dropped. Environmental groups had said a wider highway would only lead to more car-dependent sprawl.

If Hogan sticks to campaign statements that he would divert more transportation money from expanding mass transit to improving roads, the idea of a wider I-270 could gain new life. What that would mean for transit planning in the I-270 corridor remains unknown. Hogan didn't say much, if anything, during the campaign about the future of a Corridor Cities Transitway.

[1995hoo]

You know, the image in that article made me think of something. Why was that interchange rebuilt to have southbound I-270 Spur traffic merging onto the left side of the Beltway? At least as of 1979, the merge was on the right.

[cpzilliacus]

You know, the image in that article made me think of something. Why was that interchange rebuilt to have southbound I-270 Spur traffic merging onto the left side of the Beltway? At least as of 1979, the merge was on the right.

It was rebuilt as part of the project that added an HOV lane to both sides of I-270Y in the 1990's.  It also made the curve on the Outer Loop of I-495 (where it turns from west to south) much less sharp, though there have still been crashes there.

[cpzilliacus]

Baltimore Sun: Express toll lanes on I-95 north of Baltimore set to open Dec. 6

The controversial construction of express toll lanes up the center of a congested, eight-mile stretch of Interstate 95 just north of Baltimore is set to conclude Dec. 6, when the lanes will open to traffic.

Their launch will bring to an end the bulk of construction on a larger, nearly $1.1 billion project to reconstruct the entire section of the highway, its overpasses and interchanges, including with Interstate 695.

Aimed at relieving bottlenecks and improving safety, the work nonetheless added to commuter headaches for nearly a decade. An average of about 177,000 drivers a day use the corridor.

[Henry]

Baltimore Sun: Express toll lanes on I-95 north of Baltimore set to open Dec. 6

The controversial construction of express toll lanes up the center of a congested, eight-mile stretch of Interstate 95 just north of Baltimore is set to conclude Dec. 6, when the lanes will open to traffic.

Their launch will bring to an end the bulk of construction on a larger, nearly $1.1 billion project to reconstruct the entire section of the highway, its overpasses and interchanges, including with Interstate 695.

Aimed at relieving bottlenecks and improving safety, the work nonetheless added to commuter headaches for nearly a decade. An average of about 177,000 drivers a day use the corridor.

Why not Thanksgiving Day? Nevertheless, it would be a great help to holiday travelers, as well as those traveling to and from the workplace, especially Johns Hopkins.

[cpzilliacus]

WAMU Radio: Plows, Salt Are Ready In Maryland, But Officials Hope The Weather Cooperates

[Following is as much about SHA's snow removal plans and equipment (including  some new and extra-large plow vehicles) as it is about the cold weather.]

Baltimore Sun: Baltimore sets record as cold grips eastern U.S.

[cpzilliacus]

Baltimore Sun: Detours, traffic woes to end with Sinclair Lane Bridge reopening Monday, city says

A bridge replacement project that has forced nearly 30,000 drivers a day to take detours through East Baltimore will end next week after two years of cost run-ups and delays.

Both Edison Highway and Sinclair Lane will reopen to traffic Monday with the completion of a new bridge carrying the intersection of the roads over CSX Transportation's main freight railroad line through the city, the Baltimore Department of Transportation is expected to announce Friday.

"We're hoping that this is going to alleviate a lot of the traffic congestion and inconvenience that has been caused by the time it has taken to get this bridge reopened," said William Johnson, the city's transportation director.

Residents and commuters, long forced to detour onto Belair Road and Erdman Avenue, "have been very patient and deserve some relief, and we're happy it's finally going to come," Johnson said.

[davewiecking]

October picture of 404 dualization of Tuckahoe Creek Bridge near MD 309 intersection in Queen Anne, Md. Wish there were something about this project on the MDSHA website beyond "scheduled to begin construction in Summer 2014". Have dropped a note to Project Engineer (I wonder how "Mr. Colbert Stephen" pronounces his first name).

[cpzilliacus]

Baltimore Sun: SHA completes improvements to Howard rest stop

The State Highway Administration has opened 39 new truck parking spaces at the Interstate 95 South rest area and welcome center in Howard County, signaling the completion of the project, the organization announced Thursday.

The project was funded by a $5.5 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration, and will increase the number of available truck parking spaces from 21 to 60.

According to a news release, the project was done to reduce illegal and unsafe parking at the site, which included truck parking on shoulders and ramps.

[cpzilliacus]

Washington Post:  Hogan taps "˜highway builder' as transportation secretary, appoints 7 others

Maryland Gov.-elect Larry Hogan (R) announced eight more senior members of his administration Tuesday, including a new transportation secretary whom he introduced as "the best highway builder in the entire country."

Hogan's nomination of Pete Rahn, who has held top transportation jobs in New Mexico and Missouri, comes amid great uncertainty over the future of the light-rail Purple Line in the Washington suburbs and other proposed mass transit projects. The governor-elect has strongly signaled that he will emphasize roads over rail after he takes office Jan. 21.

Hogan, who made tax cuts a rallying cry of his campaign, also pledged to focus this spring to reducing tolls at Maryland's bridges and tunnels. Tolls are set by an executive-branch authority whose members are appointed by the governor.

[cpzilliacus]

Baltimore Sun: Northbound I-95 repair work in Laurel to impact afternoon rush hour

The two left lanes of northbound Interstate 95 will be closed in Laurel through the Tuesday afternoon commute as crews complete emergency repair work to the deck of a bridge.

The unscheduled work to the bridge that carries I-95 over Stansfield Road shut the lanes just before Scaggsville Road, which is Route 216, in Laurel early Tuesday afternoon. The closures were expected to remain in place through the evening rush hour.

The State Highway Administration warned motorists to expect delays on I-95, Route 295, Route 1 and Route 29.

[MillTheRoadgeek]

Alright... I've got two things that baffle me over Maryland roadways.
1. Why does their asphalt always turn white after a few years? Virginia/DC doesn't seem to encounter that thing. (Maybe it's their asphalt type)
2. Why did it take around 8 years to finish up the I-95 ETL (and subsequent improvements) in northern Baltimore? The 495/95 Express lanes were much longer, and only finished up in 4/2 years (respectively).
Yeah, it's kinda stupid/there might already be answers here on the forum, but I don't feel like digging up those, and besides, I think I'm probably the first to ask.