Maryland

[cpzilliacus]

Long term if the Bay Bridge gets another span, they'll have to do something at the Severn and likely Kent Narrows.

Keep in mind that a lot of the traffic crossing the WPL (Bay Bridge) does not need to go further east than Kent Island, so there may not be as much of a need to widen the Kent Narrows Bridge.

[Mr_Northside]

Long term if the Bay Bridge gets another span, they'll have to do something at the Severn and likely Kent Narrows.

Keep in mind that a lot of the traffic crossing the WPL (Bay Bridge) does not need to go further east than Kent Island, so there may not be as much of a need to widen the Kent Narrows Bridge.

It seems the 2 major problems, other than a missing lane of capacity in whichever direction they decide, is the lack of shoulder space, and the 2-Way traffic when the lanes are set up that way.

If they'd build a span with 3 lanes and full shoulders, and dedicate it to one direction of travel and then reduced the existing spans by a lane, using that space for shoulders, dedicated to the other direction (still with lane controls for extreme situations, just-in-case).   The 3x3 (3 x 2 +1) lanes would match the road on either side, and with drivers not feeling so boxed in, I think most of the time that would work out well.

Of course, without the $$$, it doesn't really matter anyway.

[NJRoadfan]

They'd likely do a 3-2-3 setup anyway.

[froggie]

A 3-2-3 setup would require two new bridges rather than just one if shoulders are desired.

[cpzilliacus]

A 3-2-3 setup would require two new bridges rather than just one if shoulders are desired.

Ex-Gov. Martin O'Malley was quoted as saying he was in favor of a ferry instead of a new bridge over the Bay.  Not sure if he was required to submit to a drug test after making that statement or not.

Getting back to your comment above, any new capacity over the Bay will likely be one structure, I suspect parallel to the existing two bridges, though from a network redundancy perspective a new bridge-tunnel crossing further south, from Calvert County to Dorchester County would be better, but much more expensive, since a lot of upgrading to Md. 4 on the Western Shore side, and an entirely new highway to Cambridge would be needed.

[cpzilliacus]

The 2014 Highway Location Reference is out.

You can see them HLRs for each county here.

[BrianP]

The 2014 Highway Location Reference is out.

You can see them HLRs for each county here.

Only two noteworthy changes, a route death and a birth:

MD 351, Ballenger Creek Pike — All remaining sections of MD 351 have been transferred to
Frederick County, having met all transfer conditions, and are now part of CO 294. 
Conveyance dated 3/26/2015

MD 206, Konterra Dr — Newly assigned route, constructed under PG4195172; this is the State-
     built section of the road, the remainder to the east and west of the new interchange 
     at IS 95 has been designated as OP 5600.

[cpzilliacus]

MD 206, Konterra Dr — Newly assigned route, constructed under PG4195172; this is the State-
     built section of the road, the remainder to the east and west of the new interchange 
     at IS 95 has been designated as OP 5600.

SHA has done this in at least a few other places in recent times (though a county-maintained road having an interchange with a freeway is not that common in Maryland):

• Md. 202F, Arena Drive at I-95 (Capital Beltway) in Prince George's County, covers the part through the interchange (if the Washington Redskins move to Virginia, then what happens to this interchange?)
• Md. 221A, Ritchie-Marlboro Road at I-95 (Capital Beltway) in Prince George's County, covers the part through the interchange
• Md. 927, Montrose Road, at I-270, in Montgomery County, covers the part of Montrose Road that crosses the interchange.
• Md. 927A, Montrose Parkway, at Md. 355 (Rockville Pike), covers the part of Montrose Parkway that crosses the interchange.

[TheOneKEA]

The 2014 Highway Location Reference is out.

You can see them HLRs for each county here.

Only two noteworthy changes, a route death and a birth:

MD 351, Ballenger Creek Pike — All remaining sections of MD 351 have been transferred to
Frederick County, having met all transfer conditions, and are now part of CO 294. 
Conveyance dated 3/26/2015

MD 206, Konterra Dr — Newly assigned route, constructed under PG4195172; this is the State-
     built section of the road, the remainder to the east and west of the new interchange 
     at IS 95 has been designated as OP 5600.

Is this the first state highway in Maryland that has been partially, then fully decommissioned after its number was changed? It used to be MD 78 before it was changed to MD 351.

Also, is it possible that any sign blade totems that are (re)installed on Konterra Drive at I-95 will be the style that includes the route number on the end of the blade? I will also be interested to see if the BEGIN/END STATE MAINTENANCE signs make an appearance, as the SHA is very inconsistent about the posting of those signs for the minor and unsigned routes.

[bsmart]

The 2014 Highway Location Reference is out.

You can see them HLRs for each county here.

Only two noteworthy changes, a route death and a birth:

MD 351, Ballenger Creek Pike — All remaining sections of MD 351 have been transferred to
Frederick County, having met all transfer conditions, and are now part of CO 294. 
Conveyance dated 3/26/2015

MD 206, Konterra Dr — Newly assigned route, constructed under PG4195172; this is the State-
     built section of the road, the remainder to the east and west of the new interchange 
     at IS 95 has been designated as OP 5600.

Is this the first state highway in Maryland that has been partially, then fully decommissioned after its number was changed? It used to be MD 78 before it was changed to MD 351.

As I remember (living about a mile from the big U where MD-180 becomes (became) MD 351)  I remember MD 351 being numbered MD-180 in the late 80s.  So you had the same numbered road to both the south and North of US-340.  I always thought it was strange.

[Mergingtraffic]

Driving around Baltimore lately (pics to come on my Flickr page) but I've noticed, how many signs do they replace a year?  Any? I think of NYC which seems to have new signs every week and Baltimore where nothing's been changed in years unless it's a state owned sign.

Also, getting on I-695 WB from I-95 SB, I see work on what would be the cancelled express lanes.  What are they doing there?

[cpzilliacus]

Driving around Baltimore lately (pics to come on my Flickr page) but I've noticed, how many signs do they replace a year?  Any? I think of NYC which seems to have new signs every week and Baltimore where nothing's been changed in years unless it's a state owned sign.

Also, getting on I-695 WB from I-95 SB, I see work on what would be the cancelled express lanes.  What are they doing there?

If you mean the Express Toll Lanes in the median of I-95, those were rather definitely not cancelled.

[Alps]

Driving around Baltimore lately (pics to come on my Flickr page) but I've noticed, how many signs do they replace a year?  Any? I think of NYC which seems to have new signs every week and Baltimore where nothing's been changed in years unless it's a state owned sign.

Also, getting on I-695 WB from I-95 SB, I see work on what would be the cancelled express lanes.  What are they doing there?

If you mean the Express Toll Lanes in the median of I-95, those were rather definitely not cancelled.

I'll piggyback - why are there ramps from the ETLs to MD 43? Just after the lanes start. Is it for future extension? Why build them now instead of later? Better off spending the money at 695.

[cpzilliacus]

Driving around Baltimore lately (pics to come on my Flickr page) but I've noticed, how many signs do they replace a year?  Any? I think of NYC which seems to have new signs every week and Baltimore where nothing's been changed in years unless it's a state owned sign.

Also, getting on I-695 WB from I-95 SB, I see work on what would be the cancelled express lanes.  What are they doing there?

If you mean the Express Toll Lanes in the median of I-95, those were rather definitely not cancelled.

I'll piggyback - why are there ramps from the ETLs to MD 43? Just after the lanes start. Is it for future extension? Why build them now instead of later? Better off spending the money at 695.

I have seen presentations by MdTA that envision ETLs far beyond (or north and east of) Md. 43.  The section that was built and opened to traffic is Section 100.  There are recommendations for Section 200 (though they are about 10 years old) here (.pdf).

[kj3400]

Driving around Baltimore lately (pics to come on my Flickr page) but I've noticed, how many signs do they replace a year?  Any? I think of NYC which seems to have new signs every week and Baltimore where nothing's been changed in years unless it's a state owned sign.

Also, getting on I-695 WB from I-95 SB, I see work on what would be the cancelled express lanes.  What are they doing there?

If you mean the Express Toll Lanes in the median of I-95, those were rather definitely not cancelled.

I'll piggyback - why are there ramps from the ETLs to MD 43? Just after the lanes start. Is it for future extension? Why build them now instead of later? Better off spending the money at 695.

I have seen presentations by MdTA that envision ETLs far beyond (or north and east of) Md. 43.  The section that was built and opened to traffic is Section 100.  There are recommendations for Section 200 (though they are about 10 years old) here (.pdf).

I don't have any knowledge on it, but I always imagined they would continue them to the state line.

[davewiecking]

Also, getting on I-695 WB from I-95 SB, I see work on what would be the cancelled express lanes.  What are they doing there?

Remnants of I-95's original braided configuration are still visible on the ground. Odd that only the new outer loop to SB I-95 ramp seems to have a visible stub for future tie into the Express Lanes. Current SB traffic headed for 695 isn't really going to benefit from the new lanes for just 1 exit. However, NB ETL traffic would definitely benefit from direct 695 ramps.

[1995hoo]

For those unfamiliar with the original proposal, this is how the I-95/I-695 interchange was supposed to look prior to the ETL ramps being deferred indefinitely:

[froggie]

SHA has begun an interchange at US 15 and Monocacy Blvd near Frederick.  It'll be a standard diamond along US 15, tie into Christophers Crossing to the west, and remove the partial intersection on US 15 at Hayward Rd.  This'll have the net effect of extending the US 15 freeway section through Frederick for about a mile further north.

The scheduled completion is Spring 2018.

The press release notes that speed cameras will be in use through the workzone, with a 50 MPH limit southbound and a 55 MPH limit northbound (not sure why there's a difference).  Per state law, the cameras won't actually generate tickets unless you're going at least 12 over the limit.  Enforcement begins in early September with a 3 week warning period before actual citations begin on 9/29.

[bsmart]

SHA has begun an interchange at US 15 and Monocacy Blvd near Frederick.  It'll be a standard diamond along US 15, tie into Christophers Crossing to the west, and remove the partial intersection on US 15 at Hayward Rd.  This'll have the net effect of extending the US 15 freeway section through Frederick for about a mile further north.

The scheduled completion is Spring 2018.

The press release notes that speed cameras will be in use through the workzone, with a 50 MPH limit southbound and a 55 MPH limit northbound (not sure why there's a difference).  Per state law, the cameras won't actually generate tickets unless you're going at least 12 over the limit.  Enforcement begins in early September with a 3 week warning period before actual citations begin on 9/29.

Glad to see them start that.  The crossover at Hayward Rd has been a problem for years.  The continuing problem with speeding through that stretch (and the periodic major accidents at Hayward Rd) is the reason for the higher intensity speed enforcement (and I wish they would crack down more)

[cpzilliacus]

Washington Post: New leaders appointed for two Maryland transportation agencies

Maryland has new leaders for the state's vehicle and driver's licensing agency and the transportation authority, which operates the Intercounty Connector and other toll facilities, Gov. Larry Hogan's office said Thursday.

The Maryland Transportation Authority board voted Thursday to appoint Milton Chaffee as the authority's new executive director. Chaffee has been administrator of the state's Motor Vehicle Administration since February 2014 and has worked at the agency for 13 years. As head of the transportation authority, he'll oversee operations of the state's toll roads and bridges.

[cpzilliacus]

Maryland State Highway Administration photographer retires from state service - after 66 (!) years on the job!

SHA News Release: GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO RETIRING MDOT PHOTOGRAPHER, TIMOTHY HYMAN

[Rothman]

Maryland State Highway Administration photographer retires from state service - after 66 (!) years on the job!

SHA News Release: GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO RETIRING MDOT PHOTOGRAPHER, TIMOTHY HYMAN

He must have really loved photography to delay his retirement for so long.  We have a couple of employees at NYSDOT that have stuck around for about six decades.  They're just sitting there doing office work, though.

I can't see myself doing that, even though I enjoy my job -- I consider myself one of the minority that actually got a job in a true area of interest.  Still, there's so much more to life than sitting in an office.  Can't help but wonder with a few of these guys if they stay in the office out of an actual fear of the unstructured freedom of retirement.  I find that sad.

Makes me think of The Shawshank Redemption and that quote about walls: "These walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, you get so you depend on them."

[cpzilliacus]

Maryland State Highway Administration photographer retires from state service - after 66 (!) years on the job!

SHA News Release: GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO RETIRING MDOT PHOTOGRAPHER, TIMOTHY HYMAN

He must have really loved photography to delay his retirement for so long.  We have a couple of employees at NYSDOT that have stuck around for about six decades.  They're just sitting there doing office work, though.

Earle "Jock" Freedman, the chief bridge engineer of the Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration has been on the job for a similarly long time.  Here is a 2010 article about him.

[vdeane]

Maryland State Highway Administration photographer retires from state service - after 66 (!) years on the job!

SHA News Release: GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO RETIRING MDOT PHOTOGRAPHER, TIMOTHY HYMAN

He must have really loved photography to delay his retirement for so long.  We have a couple of employees at NYSDOT that have stuck around for about six decades.  They're just sitting there doing office work, though.

I can't see myself doing that, even though I enjoy my job -- I consider myself one of the minority that actually got a job in a true area of interest.  Still, there's so much more to life than sitting in an office.  Can't help but wonder with a few of these guys if they stay in the office out of an actual fear of the unstructured freedom of retirement.  I find that sad.

Makes me think of The Shawshank Redemption and that quote about walls: "These walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, you get so you depend on them."

I went out a few times to inventory rail crossings with one of them.  He'll have 60 years of service in October and heading out with him is like going out with one's grandfather.  He started at the New York State Department of Public Works (the precursor to NYSDOT; also, back then they called the regions "districts") before my boss was even born.  And yes, some people stay that long because they don't know what they'd do without work.  Some also stay that long to keep their ex-wives from getting a cut of their pension.

[Rothman]

Maryland State Highway Administration photographer retires from state service - after 66 (!) years on the job!

SHA News Release: GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO RETIRING MDOT PHOTOGRAPHER, TIMOTHY HYMAN

He must have really loved photography to delay his retirement for so long.  We have a couple of employees at NYSDOT that have stuck around for about six decades.  They're just sitting there doing office work, though.

I can't see myself doing that, even though I enjoy my job -- I consider myself one of the minority that actually got a job in a true area of interest.  Still, there's so much more to life than sitting in an office.  Can't help but wonder with a few of these guys if they stay in the office out of an actual fear of the unstructured freedom of retirement.  I find that sad.

Makes me think of The Shawshank Redemption and that quote about walls: "These walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, you get so you depend on them."

I went out a few times to inventory rail crossings with one of them.  He'll have 60 years of service in October and heading out with him is like going out with one's grandfather.  He started at the New York State Department of Public Works (the precursor to NYSDOT; also, back then they called the regions "districts") before my boss was even born.  And yes, some people stay that long because they don't know what they'd do without work.  Some also stay that long to keep their ex-wives from getting a cut of their pension.

HA!  That guy's who's staying because of his ex-wife is legendary.  You do have to wonder if there are other reasons at play there, though.