DECEMBER 16 VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING FOR
I-895/BALTIMORE HARBOR TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA AND INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
24/7 Access to Project Materials Available Online Starting Today
BALTIMORE, MD (December 1, 2020) – The I-895/Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Toll Plaza and Interchange Improvements Project in Baltimore City will be the subject of a Virtual Public Meeting held by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2020. The meeting is being presented virtually in consideration of the COVID-19 health emergency and as part of MDTA’s commitment to protect the safety of the public and its employees. Project materials are now available at https://mdta.maryland.gov/I895TollPlaza and will remain online for the duration of the project.
The MDTA, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is studying the roadway network in the vicinity of the tunnel along I-895. The proposed improvements would enhance existing all-electronic tolling by replacing toll booths across I-895 with overhead gantries. This will allow toll collection at highway speeds with reduced travel time, increased highway safety, improved customer convenience, reduced emissions, and potential long-term reduction in toll collection and maintenance costs. The project includes changes to the configuration of I-895 interchange ramps at both Frankfurst Avenue and Childs Street to meet roadway standards for the increased vehicle speeds.
“We’re excited to present these proposed improvements for I-895 and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Toll Plaza, and we’re committed to work with residents, commuters, elected officials and others to make sure everyone has ample opportunity to comment safely during the COVID-19 emergency,” said Greg Slater, MDTA Chairman and Maryland Transportation Secretary.
The Virtual Public Meeting will consist of a video presentation followed by a question and answer period. Such online presentations are important tools to facilitate participation from community stakeholders. Recognizing the ongoing COVID‐19 State of Emergency, an in‐person presentation will not be held. Information presented during the Virtual Public Meeting will include an overview of the:
- project purpose and need,
- proposed project improvements and how they address the purpose and need,
- potential project impacts and mitigation, and
- anticipated project schedule.
The project involves a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, which includes solicitation of public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, income level or family status. The NEPA review is anticipated to be completed in the spring 2021. Design would continue into 2023, and phased construction is anticipated to begin in 2024. The project is planned to be completed in 2027.
Public input is highly encouraged to submit comments and questions prior to the Virtual Public Meeting. Those with questions, comments, or seeking additional information may visit https://mdta.maryland.gov/I895TollPlaza or submit an e‑mail to [email protected].
Individuals wishing to participate in the virtual project update and who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or require language translation services (free of charge), should contact the project team at [email protected] at least seven days prior to the update.
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