CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING STUDY TIER 2 NEPA OPEN HOUSES

On December 4, 9, and 11, 2024, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will host Open Houses for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA (Tier 2 Study). These Open Houses mark a major milestone in the Tier 2 Study. The MDTA will share recommendations to address existing and future transportation issues at the William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge and its approaches along U.S. 50/301, from Anne Arundel County on the Western Shore to Queen Anne’s County on the Eastern Shore, in Maryland.

These Open Houses will serve as scoping meetings to solicit input on the issues that will be evaluated in the Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This process is being formally initiated with publication of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register. The NOI contains important details about the study and will be made available.

Open House attendees will be able to:

• learn about the seven retained alternatives and their expected environmental effects,
• discuss the Tier 2 Study with the Study team, and
• provide comments (the comment period will end at midnight on January 13, 2025).

There will be no formal presentation; however, the Study team will be available to answer questions during both the in-person and virtual Open Houses. The same information will be provided at each of the Open Houses. Open House materials are available to review on the Study website at baycrossingstudy.com.

Additional Information

• NEWS RELEASE: MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TO HOST CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING STUDY: TIER 2 NEPA OPEN HOUSES IN SEPTEMBER (PDF Download)
• Bay Crossing Study Boards (PDF Download)
• Comment Card Tier 2 (PDF Download)
• Open House Postcard (PDF Download)
• Title VI Survey English (PDF Download)
• Title VI Public Participation Survey (Spanish)
• Environmental Resources Web Map

JOIN US! TIER 2 STUDY OPEN HOUSES

Virtual Open House

Wednesday, December 4, 2024
(6-8 p.m.)
baycrossingstudy.com

 Anne Arundel County
Monday, December 9, 2024
(6-8 p.m.)
Broadneck High School
1265 Green Holly Dr.
Annapolis, MD 21409

 Queen Anne’s County
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
(6-8 p.m.)
Kent Island High School
900 Love Point Road
Stevensville, MD 21666

Individuals who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the MDTA at 410-537-1000 (711 for MD Relay) no later than 10 business days before the Open House they would like to attend. 

For more information, visit the Study website at baycrossingstudy.com, or call 667-203-5408.

KEY BRIDGE REBUILD

Join us for the MDTA’s Virtual Community Update: Key Bridge Rebuild!

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is inviting you to attend a Virtual Community Update for the rebuilding of the Key Bridge on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 6-7 p.m.

This update meeting aims to inform the public about the progress and future plans for the Key Bridge reconstruction project. The update will discuss an overview of the work completed so far and how MDTA and partners are working to reconnect resources to the community and to revitalize and reimagine the Key Bridge.

All meeting materials will be posted to the website following the virtual event. 

• Key Bridge Virtual Community Update June 2024 8.5x11 - English (PDF Download)
• Key Bridge Virtual Community Update June 2024 8.5x11 - Spanish (PDF Download)
• Key Bridge Postcard Community Update 2024 (PDF Download)

More information can be found on the project website at: KeyBridgeRebuild.com. 

Key Bridge Rebuild Virtual Industry Forum

ATTENTION CONSULTANT FIRMS, CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, AND DBE, MBE, WBE AND VSBE FIRMS.

Join us for the Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) Key Bridge Rebuild Virtual Industry Forum.
 

Tuesday, May 7, 2024
2 – 4 P.M.

• Key Bridge Rebuild Industry Forum Flyer - May 2024 (PDF Download)
• https://www.keybridgerebuild.com

The forum will include a presentation from MDTA and staff will be available to answer questions about the PDB project delivery method, procurement process, and DBE opportunities and certification. While there will be an opportunity to ask questions during the Virtual Industry Forum, the MDTA is encouraging industry professionals to submit questions in advance online at here.

Individuals who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) may contact the MDTA’s Title VI Officer at MDTAeeo@MDTA.maryland.gov or at 410-537-5660 (711 for Maryland Relay) by 5 pm on Monday, May 6, 2024.

2023 Special Public Meetings

Anyone planning to attend a meeting announced below who wishes to receive auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations is invited to contact 711 (MD Relay) at least 48 hours in advance.

I-695 REPAIR, REHABILITATION AT SPARROWS POINT NEAR BEAR CREEK - INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSES

The MDTA will hold two Informational Open Houses in November for the public to learn more about this project. At these meetings, there will be no formal presentations. Staff will be available to answer questions about the displays and the project. The following are the dates and times:

Those wishing to attend and requiring accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or seeking translation services (free of charge), may contact the agency’s Title VI Officer at mdtaeeo@mdta.maryland.gov or at 410-537-6720 (711 for Maryland Relay) no later than 10 business days before the open house they would like to attend.

• I-695 at Sparrows Point near Bear Creek Informational Open House 11-09 and 11-15 Boards (PDF Download)

• I-695 Repairs and Rehabilitation at Sparrows Point near Bear Creek News Release 10-26-2023

• https://mdta.maryland.gov/I-695SparrowsPointProject/Home.

Sign up for email alerts about the project by selecting “Francis Scott Key Bridge” here.

CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING STUDY TIER 2 NEPA OPEN HOUSES

On September 7, 12, and 14, 2023, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will host Open Houses for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA (Tier 2 Study). The Tier 2 Study considers measures to provide congestion relief and improve travel reliability, mobility, and safety across the Chesapeake Bay. The Tier 2 Study is focusing on the two-mile wide Selected Corridor Alternative (Corridor 7), which extends from the Severn River Bridge to the US 50/US 301 split and was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in the Record of Decision from the Tier 1 Study.

The MDTA is committed to providing opportunities for inclusive and transparent stakeholder engagement to support an equitable transportation study and outcome. The MDTA invites all interested parties to join us, either virtually or in-person, at an upcoming Tier 2 Study Open House.

Open House attendees will be able to:

• learn about the Tier 2 Study including the proposed Purpose and Need and alternatives development process,
• discuss the Tier 2 Study with MDTA’s team and ask questions, and
• provide comments (the comment period will end at midnight on October 16, 2023).

There will be no formal presentation; however, the study team will be available to answer questions during both the in-person and virtual Open Houses.

The same information will be provided at each of the Open Houses. Open House materials are available to review on the Study website at baycrossingstudy.com.

Additional Information

• NEWS RELEASE: MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TO HOST CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING STUDY: TIER 2 NEPA OPEN HOUSES IN SEPTEMBER (PDF Download)
• Bay Crossing Study Boards (PDF Download)
• Tier 2 Study - Environmental Resources Map (PDF Download)
• Public Participation Survey Form (PDF Download)
• Comment Card Tier 2 (PDF Download)
• Open House Postcard (PDF Download)
• Title VI Survey English (PDF Download)

Individuals who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the MDTA at 410-537-1000 (711 for MD Relay) no later than 10 business days before the Open House they would like to attend.

I-895 at Frankfurst Avenue Interchange Improvements Project Industry Forum

Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 Virtual Transit and Bicycle/Pedestrian Listening Meeting June 27, 2023

Virtual Transit and Bicycle/Pedestrian Listening Meeting
Tuesday, June 27, 6:30 - 7:45 PM
baycrossingstudy.com

News Release: CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING TIER 2 STUDY TO HOST VIRTUAL LISTENING MEETING ON CONSIDERATIONS FOR TRANSIT, BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS (PDF Download)

Title VI Survey (PDF Download)

Please submit your comments regarding the Tier 2 Study and bicycle/pedestrian facilities by Tuesday, July 11^th

• Transit Survey Comment Form (online)
• Bicycle/Pedestrian Survey Comment Form (online)
• Transit Survey Comment Form (PDF Download)
• Bicycle/Pedestrian Survey Comment Form (PDF Download)

New Nice/Middleton Bridge Bicycle System Informational Open House April 26, 2023

Bicycle System Informational Open House
Wednesday, April 26, 6:00-8:00 PM
Nice/Middleton Bridge Automotive Shop
13040 Crain Highway, Newburg, MD 20664

• News Release: BICYCLE SYSTEM INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 26 AT NICE/MIDDLETON BRIDGE 
• Open House Ad 
• Informational Boards 
• Title VI Survey 

Please provide your comments by May 10, 2023 on bicycle usage – days of the week, hours, and seasons – on the new Nice/Middleton Bridge

• Comment Form (online)
• Comment Form (printable) 

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD UNDERWAY FOR I-95 ETL NORTHBOUND EXTENSION & I-695 RAMPS TOLL RATE RANGE SETTING

If you are watching the livestream or visiting the project website and would like to provide live testimony at the virtual hearing today, March 2, 2023, between 5:30 – 8:00 p.m., please follow the instructions below:

TO PROVIDE LIVE TESTIMONY

1. Using your phone, dial 512-580-8850.
2. When prompted, enter access code 4128#.
3. You must listen to the entire welcome message.
4. Once the welcome message ends, you will hear, “For more options press star”.
5. Press the * button on your phone.
6. You will hear the menu options, press 3 to enter the speaker queue.
7. The queue is first come, first serve.
8. Once your turn to testify has arrived, the Hearing Officer will address you either by your name or by the last four digits of your phone number. You will then hear a digital voice notifying you that your line is now unmuted and to introduce yourself.
9. Please state your name, spell your name, and provide your address slowly and clearly. After you have introduced yourself, you will have either 3 minutes to speak (members of the public), or 5 minutes (elected officials). A single tone will sound to notify you when 30 seconds remain; a double tone will sound to notify you when 10 seconds remain.
10. After you have provided testimony, you may hang up or you may press *1 after the prompts to listen to live testimony. 

Public Hearings Scheduled in February and March; Toll Proposal Mirrors Existing I-95 ETL Tolling Plan

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board on December 15, 2022, voted to seek public comment on the proposed tolling plan shown below for the I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) Northbound Extension (Section 200) and I-695 ramps. The I-95 ETL Northbound Extension limits include the northbound ETL lanes on I-95 from MD 43 to north of MD 24. 

The project combines safety and environmental enhancements, congestion relief, new community noise walls, multimodal opportunities and system preservation efforts along a 11.7-mile corridor of the East Coast’s most important interstate route in Baltimore and Harford counties.

The MDTA Board will host two in-person public hearings and one virtual public hearing to receive public testimony about the proposed tolling plan. Each hearing will be held 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sign-in and displays will be available at 5:30 p.m. and formal testimony will begin at 6 p.m. The public may arrive any time between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Registration for public testimony will close at 7:30 p.m. 

The proposed tolling plan and public hearing materials are online at mdta.maryland.gov/I95ETLN-Section200. Members of the public may comment for the official record through April 13, 2023.

Individuals who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the Title VI Office at mdtaeeo@mdta.maryland.gov or 410-537-5660 (711 for Maryland Relay) no later than three (3) business days before the date of the hearing they wish to attend.

• February 27, 2023 – Board Meeting/ETL Toll Hearing – Baltimore County (In Person)
  • Hearing Agenda 02-27-2023
  • Hearing Materials 02-27-2023
  • Video Archive Link 02-23-2023
  • Hearing Minutes 02-27-2023
• March 2, 2023 – Board Meeting/ETL Toll Hearing – Virtual
  • Hearing Agenda 03-02-2023
  • Hearing Materials 03-02-2023
  • Video Archive Link 03-02-2023
  • Hearing Minutes 03-02-2023
• March 6, 2023 – Board Meeting/ETL Toll Hearing – Harford County (In Person)
  • Hearing Agenda 03-06-2023
  • Hearing Materials 03-06-2023
  • Video Archive Link 03-06-2023
  • Hearing Minutes 03-06-2023

Public Hearing Display Boards

• Public Hearing Display Boards - English (PDF Download)
• Public Hearing Display Boards - Spanish (PDF Download)

Members of the public may submit comments for the official record on the proposed I-95 ETL Northbound Extension and I-695 ramps tolling plan through April 13, 2023. All comments received during the toll rate range setting process are given equal consideration. Comments may be submitted by:

• visiting mdta.maryland.gov/I95ETLNB-Section200,
• writing to MDTA I-95 ETL Northbound Extension Project Toll Comment, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224, or
• providing testimony/completing a comment card at a public hearing.

Additional Documents

• News Release -**REMINDER** PUBLIC HEARINGS BEGIN NEXT WEEK FOR I-95 EXPRESS TOLL LANES NORTHBOUND EXTENSION AND I-695 RAMPS TOLL RATE RANGE SETTING (PDF Download)
• Flyer - English (PDF Document)
• Flyer - Spanish (PDF Download)
• New Release - PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD UNDERWAY FOR I-95 ETL NORTHBOUND EXTENSION & I-695 RAMPS TOLL RATE RANGE SETTING (PDF Document)
• T&R Report (PEF Document)
• Board Books December 2022 and January 2023 (PDF Documents)

 Get Adobe Acrobat Reader:

The meeting agendas are provided in Adobe PDF format. If you do not have a PDF viewer you can download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader at http://get.adobe.com/reader

SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETINGS ARCHIVE

Maryland Transportation Authority to Host Chesapeake Bay Crossing Tier 2 NEPA Study Open Houses in September

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will host three Open House events in September for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) Study, which was announced by Governor Larry Hogan on June 10, 2022. The launch of the Tier 2 NEPA Study follows completion of the Tier 1 NEPA Study in April and continues efforts to provide congestion relief at the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge and its approach highways from the Severn River Bridge to the U.S. 50/U.S. 301 split.

The Tier 2 NEPA Study Open House events will be held September 7, 8 and 13, and interested parties are invited to attend virtually or in-person. Attendees will be able to learn about the Tier 2 NEPA Study, ask questions and provide comments. The events also will include a review of the Tier 1 NEPA Study, which identified Corridor 7, the corridor containing the existing Bay Bridge, as the Selected Corridor Alternative.

There will be no formal presentation. However, the study team will be available to answer questions during both the in-person and virtual Open Houses. The same information will be provided at each event. Materials are available now to review on the study website at baycrossingstudy.com. The following are the dates and times for each meeting:

Virtual Open House

Wednesday, September 7, 6-8 p.m.
Video Archive Link 09-07-2022

Queen Anne’s County Open House

Thursday, September 8, 6-8 p.m.
Kent Island American Legion Post 278
800 Romancoke Road, Stevensville, MD 21666

Anne Arundel County Open House

Tuesday, September 13, 6-8 p.m.
Broadneck High School
1265 Green Holly Dr., Annapolis, MD 21409

Individuals requiring special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or those requiring translation services (free of charge), should contact the MDTA at 410-537-1000 (711 for MD Relay) no later than 10 business days before the Open House they would like to attend. The MDTA, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is following the well-established NEPA process to study potential improvements. This process applies to all projects receiving federal funding or approval.

Next steps of the Tier 2 NEPA Study will include:

• refining the Purpose and Need element of the study to focus on Corridor 7;
• evaluating a No Build alternative and a range of build alternatives, including various alignments, crossing types and modal and operational alternatives;
• evaluating traffic, engineering and environmental impacts;
• providing public involvement and comment opportunities;
• identifying a Selected Alternative; and
• identifying mitigation measures for unavoidable environmental impacts.

The MDTA is encouraging the public to provide comments regarding the Tier 2 NEPA Study by Friday, October 14, 2022. Comments may be submitted via various methods:

• Submit a comment form at one of the in-person Open Houses.
• Submit an electronic comment form at baycrossingstudy.com.
• Email comments to info@baycrossingstudy.com.
• Print and mail a completed comment form to: Bay Crossing Study, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224.
• Provide a voicemail message 24/7 by calling 667-203-5408.

Additional Information

• Press Release
• Open House Boards
• Title VI Public Participation Survey
• Virtual Information Room

Virtual Open House

• Video Archive Link 09-07-2022

MDTA POLICE TO PARTICIPATE IN REACCREDITATION ASSESSMENTS
Public Comment Sessions to be Held December 13 & 14

As part of the process for reaccreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA), the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police will undergo inspections of its law enforcement services and Training and Communications Units December 13-16. A team of CALEA assessors will perform a comprehensive examination of MDTA Police policies, procedures, management, operations and support services.

As part of the virtual on-site assessment, members of the public are invited to provide comments regarding the MDTA Police, the Training Unit and/or the Communications Unit to the assessment team via public comment sessions, telephone, U.S. mail, or the Internet:

• The public information session will be held via Microsoft Teams at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 14. Call 443-409-5228 to join this session (Conference ID: 234948548#).
• The telephone session for the Training Unit will be held 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, December 13. Assessors can be reached by calling 410-537-7709.

• The telephone session for Law Enforcement and the Communications Unit will be held 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 14. Assessors can be reached by calling 410-537-7709.
• Written comments may be sent to CALEA at 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, Va., 20155, or submitted at www.calea.org.

Public comments and telephone calls are limited to 10 minutes and must address the MDTA Police’s ability to comply with CALEA standards. A copy of CALEA standards can be obtained by contacting MDTA Police Accreditation Manager, Lieutenant Eric Wilson, at 410-537-7715.

The MDTA Police first achieved CALEA law enforcement accreditation in 2001. In 2012, the MDTA Police earned the Tri-Arc Award after obtaining concurrent CALEA accreditations for its law enforcement services and Training and Communications Units. The MDTA Police was the first law enforcement agency in Maryland to earn the Tri-Arc Award and is one of only 26 law enforcement agencies in the world to earn this prestigious honor.

The Maryland Transportation Authority Police, a nationally accredited force, is the eighth-largest law enforcement agency in the State with more than 500 sworn and civilian law enforcement professionals. MDTA Police Officers provide law enforcement services at the MDTA’s highways, bridges and tunnels, at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and at the Port of Baltimore.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Press Release

Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370 Toll Rate Range Setting Process

PUBLIC HEARINGS

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has scheduled public hearings as part of the toll rate range setting process public comment period for proposed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes in Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The public comment period opened May 20 and continues through August 12. Written and voicemail comments are now being accepted, and the hearings will provide additional opportunity to comment on the proposed toll rate ranges for the record through public or one-on-one testimony.

Two in-person testimony hearing sessions will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 12, at the Hilton Washington D.C./Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center in Rockville, and two call-in testimony hearing sessions will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 14. During the hearings there will be no formal presentation and no responses to questions can be given. The public can listen live to the hearings via telephone or livestream at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting.

Registration is now open for those wishing to provide testimony during a public hearing. Registration is available at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting or by calling 888-725-0174. Members of the public will be allotted three minutes, and elected officials will be allotted five minutes, per person, for testimony. Prior to attending a public hearing, the MDTA encourages review of all public hearing materials available in the Virtual Information Room.

MDTA’s toll rate range proposal is limited in focus to solely Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The elements of the MDTA staff tolling proposal for public comment are Minimum and Maximum Toll Rate Ranges, Soft Rate Caps, Escalation Factors, and Discounts that are detailed in the public hearing materials at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting.

The in-person testimony public hearing sessions on July 12 in Rockville will provide opportunities for verbal public testimony for the record and will be livestreamed. For those who wish, one-on-one testimony can be presented via court reporter in a separate area. Limited printed copies of the informational boards presented in the Virtual Information Room will be available. All MDTA staff and participants at the in-person hearing will be required to follow current CDC guidance regarding COVID-19 precautions. During the sessions, a limited number of registrants may be allowed, socially distanced, in the testimony room. Observers and others in the queue to present testimony will be required to wait in a designated space to allow social distancing within the building.

The July 14 call-in testimony public hearing sessions will allow an opportunity for verbal public testimony via telephone (advanced registration required to be admitted to the phone queue). To provide one-on-one testimony during the call-in hearing sessions, call 855-701-1977 and leave a single voicemail message limited to three minutes.

In addition to the hearings, written comments and call-in testimony through voicemail will be accepted for the official record through 5 p.m. Thursday, August 12. Those interested may: ·

• submit an electronic comment form at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting;
• download and email a completed comment form to ALB270TollSetting@mdta.maryland.gov;
• print and mail a completed comment form to Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370 Toll Rate Range Public Comment, Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224; or
• provide call-in testimony at 855-701-1977 and leave a single voicemail that is limited to three minutes.

ALL COMMENTS received, whether at the hearing or through other methods, will be given EQUAL CONSIDERATION.

If you are unable to access the hearing materials online, or if you require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or require language translation services (free of charge), please contact the MDTA’s Title VI Officer at mdtaeeo@mdta.maryland.gov or at 410-537-6720 at least ten days prior to the first hearing.

Public Hearing Livestream Archive

Listen to the public hearing livestreams here (mp4):

• In-Person Public Hearing – Testimony Session 1 (July 12, 2021 from 2-4 PM)
• In-Person Public Hearing – Testimony Session 2 (July 12, 2021 from 6-8 PM)
• Call-In Public Hearing – Testimony Session 1 (July 14, 2021 from 2-4 PM)
• Call-In Public Hearing – Testimony Session 2 (July 14, 2021 from 6-8 PM)

View the public hearing testimony transcripts here (PDF):

• In-Person Public Hearing – Testimony Session 1 (July 12, 2021 from 2-4 PM)
• In-Person Public Hearing – Testimony Session 2 (July 12, 2021 from 6-8 PM)
• Call-In Public Hearing – Testimony Session 1 (July 14, 2021 from 2-4 PM)
• Call-In Public Hearing – Testimony Session 2 (July 14, 2021 from 6-8 PM)
• One-on-One Public Hearing – Testimony Session 1 (July 12, 2021 from 2-4 PM)

Additional Information:

1. MDTA NEWS RELEASE – TOLL RATE RANGE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPENS FOR PHASE 1 SOUTH: AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE I-270 TO I-370
2. MDTA NEWS RELEASE – PUBLIC HEARINGS SET FOR PROPOSED HOT LANE TOLL RATE RANGES FOR PHASE 1 SOUTH: AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE I-270 TO I-370
3. MDTA NEWS RELEASE – ** REMINDER ** PUBLIC HEARINGS SET FOR PROPOSED HOT LANE TOLL RATE RANGES FOR PHASE 1 SOUTH: AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE I-270 TO I-370

BAY BRIDGE CROSSING STUDY TIER 1 NEPA
TIER 1 DEIS PUBLIC HEARINGS

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invite all interested parties to join us at our Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Bay Crossing Study Public Hearings. Originally scheduled for December, release of the DEIS was delayed due to concerns with rising state COVID-19 rates and associated restrictions. In following public health guidance and to ensure adequate opportunity for the public to comment, MDTA and its federal partners at the FHWA updated the roll-out schedule. The purpose of the Bay Crossing Study is to consider corridors for providing additional capacity and access across the Chesapeake Bay in order to improve mobility, travel reliability, and safety at the existing Bay Bridge. The Public Hearings will be made up of two components - a Public Hearing Virtual Information Room (VIR) and Live Testimony Sessions. The live testimony will consist of four call-in sessions, with two in-person opportunities also available. Each testimony session will include the opportunity to provide public and one-on-one testimony. There will be no formal presentation during the testimony sessions, and no responses to questions will be given. Due to the current COVID-19 health crisis and MDTA’s commitment to protect the public and agency members, the public is encouraged to provide public testimony through the call-in sessions.

Those who wish to provide testimony will need to pre-register in advance via baycrossingstudy.com or via telephone at 877-249-8370.Members of the public will have three minutes per person to give testimony. Please sign up only once to provide oral testimony. Each testimony session will follow the same format and will be broadcast on-line at baycrossingstudy.com or via telephone at 855-640-0504. Those who wish to listen live and/or leave your testimony by voicemail during the testimony session, call 855-640-0504

Public Hearing Virtual Information Room (VIR) Begins February 23, 2021

Beginning February 23, 2021 the DEIS and public hearing materials will be available for review in the VIR at baycrossingstudy.com.

The public is encouraged to review these materials and provide comment. If you are unable to access the DEIS via the website or if additional assistance is required, please call 877-249-8370 or email the project team at info@baycrossingstudy.com.In the VIR, attendees will have the opportunity to:

• review information on the Tier 1 DEIS and the MDTA-Recommended Preferred Corridor Alternative
• register to give public or one-on-one testimony
• learn how to submit and provide written comments

Live Testimony Sessions Begin April 14, 2021

CALL-IN TESTIMONY SESSIONS

Wednesday, April 14, 2021
1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Call-in sessions

Thursday, April 15, 2021
1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Call-in sessions 

LIVE TESTIMONY SESSIONS

Wednesday, April 21, 2021
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Double Tree Hotel
210 Holiday Court
Annapolis, MD 21401

Thursday, April 22, 2021
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Kent Island American Legion Hall
800 Romancoke Road
Stevensville, MD 21666

To encourage social distancing, display boards will be available online only. Social distancing protocols will be strictly enforced, including required face coverings, hand sanitizing stations, and limiting capacity in the hearing room to only those that are providing testimony.

Comments may be submitted during the comment period through May 10, 2021 via mail, email, project website, public testimony, and one-on-one testimony. All comments received, whether at the hearing through oral testimony or through other methods (project website, email, and mail), will be given equal consideration.

Individuals who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact
the MDTA at 410-537-1000 (711 for MD Relay) no later than ten business days before the live testimony session, if they wish to participate.

Additional Information:

1. MDTA NEWS RELEASE - BAY CROSSING STUDY TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW & COMMENT

MD 24 Northbound Auxiliary Lane Virtual Public Meeting:

Join Us for  an I-95 ETL Northbound Extension
MD 24 Northbound Auxiliary Lane Virtual Public Meeting
Thursday, February 4, 7p.m. – 8:30p.m.

Access via Microsoft Teams here
For the audio-only version of the meeting, call 443-409-5228 and when prompted for the Conference ID, dial 392 690 160#.

Due to the COVID-19 state of emergency and the Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) commitment to the protection of our customers and team members, we are practicing social distancing by holding a virtual public meeting for the MD 24 Northbound Auxiliary Lane.

The MDTA will be providing an opportunity to learn more about the MD 24 Northbound Auxiliary Lane as part of the I-95 ETL Northbound Extension through a virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams.

At the virtual update you will:

• Learn about improvements on northbound MD 24 from MD 924 to north of Singer Road
• Learn about major project elements, including transportation improvements and noise walls
• Participate in a question & answer session with the project team. The MDTA encourages you to submit your questions in advance by 3:00pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 to the project email at I95ETLNB@mdta.maryland.gov. Time permitting, live questions may be answered.

If you are unable to join us, please visit the project website at mdta.maryland.gov/I95ETLNB/home.html to view all virtual public meeting materials and submit feedback by February 18, 2021.

Please submit questions and comments regarding the MD 24 Northbound Auxiliary Lane through the project email address I95ETLNB@mdta.maryland.gov or via US mail to the address, below.

Maryland Transportation Authority
Attn: Brian Wolfe, PE
Director of Project Development
Office of Engineering and Construction
8019 Corporate Drive, Suite F
Nottingham, MD 21236

Individuals who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the project team at I95ETLNB@mdta.maryland.gov.

Meeting Materials:

• Announcment Flyer (PDF Download)
• Comment Card
• Meeting Materials (PDF Download)

I-895/Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Toll Plaza and Interchange Improvements Project Virtual Public Meeting
Virtual Public Meeting:

Please join our I-895/Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Toll Plaza and Interchange Improvements Project Virtual Public Meeting!
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
(7:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
Access via Microsoft Teams here.
For the audio-only version of the meeting, call
+1 443-409-5228 and when prompted for the
Conference ID, dial 115 015 123#

Recognizing the COVID-19 state of emergency and the MDTA’s commitment to the protection of our customers and team members, we are practicing social distancing by holding a Virtual Public Meeting for the I-895/Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Toll Plaza and Interchange Improvements Project.

Join us to learn about 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 meeting will include a video presentation, followed by a question and answer period.

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 I895TollPlaza@mdta.maryland.gov at least seven days prior to the update.

MD 152 Park and Ride Virtual Update

Join Us for  an I-95 ETL Northbound Extension

MD 152 Park and Ride Virtual Update

Thursday, June 11 7p.m. - 8p.m.

Access via Microsoft Teams here

For the audio-only version of the meeting, call

443-409-5228 and when prompted for the

Conference ID, dial 961 768 356#.

Due to the COVID-19 state of emergency and the Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) commitment to the protection of our customers and team members, we are practicing social distancing by holding a virtual public update for the MD 152 Park and Ride.

The MDTA will be providing an opportunity to learn more about the MD 152 Park and Ride as part of the I-95 ETL Northbound Extension through a virtual update using Microsoft Teams.

At the virtual update you will:

• Learn how improvements along the I-95 corridor will result in the closure of the existing MD 152 Park and Ride lot.

• Learn about new options for the MD 152 Park and Ride lot location.

• Participate in a question & answer session with the project team. The MDTA encourages you to submit your questions in advance by 3:00pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 to the project email at I95ETLNB@mdta.maryland.gov. Time permitting, live questions may be answered.

• Find out how to submit your feedback for the MD 152 Park and Ride relocation.

Please submit questions and comments regarding the MD 152 Park and Ride through the project email address I95ETLNB@mdta.maryland.gov or via US mail to the address, below.

Maryland Transportation Authority
Attn: Brian Wolfe, PE
Director of Project Development
Office of Engineering and Construction
8019 Corporate Drive, Suite F
Nottingham, MD 21236

Individuals who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the project team at: I95ETLNB@mdta.maryland.gov.

Meeting materials

- Comment card

- Announcement Flyer

I-95 at Belvidere Road Transportation Improvement Study Virtual Project Update
May 19, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• News Release: VIRTUAL PROJECT UPDATE FOR I-95 AT BELVIDERE ROAD INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS AVAILABLE MAY 19 
• I-95 at Belvidere Road Postcard 
• I-95 at Belvidere Road Final Ad 

Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 1 NEPA (Bay Crossing Study) Open Houses

Dates and Locations:

Locations will be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Sign-language interpreters, non-English language interpreters, real-time captioning and assisted listening devices can be provided upon request. Individuals who require these accommodations or auxiliary aids should contact the MDTA at 410-537-1000 (711 for MD Relay) no later than three business days before the date they wish to attend.

Additional Information:

• baycrossingstudy.com

Toll Modernization Public Hearings:

Dates and Locations:

The hearings will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM (6:00 – 6:30 PM open house; 6:30-8:00 PM public testimony). The same information will be presented at each location. The general public will be allowed three minutes per person.  Locations will be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Sign-language interpreters, non-English language interpreters, real-time captioning and assisted listening devices can be provided upon request. Individuals who require these accommodations or auxiliary aids should contact the MDTA at 410-537-1000 (711 for MD Relay) no later than three business days before the date they wish to attend.

Additional Information:

• Toll Modernization Homepage

• Toll Modernization Public Hearing Boards - 08-26-2018 

• News Release: REMINDER:PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD BEGINS TODAY FORNEW TOLLING PROPOSAL - August 1, 2019 

• News Release - MDTA Board Approves Public Hearings, Comment Period for New Toll Payment Options - July 25, 2019 

• Toll Modernization July 25, 2019 Board Materials (08-01-2019 - updated toll rates for Pay-by-Plate 3+ axle vehicles from N/A to cash rate on pages 10-14)  

I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) Northbound Extension Update

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will be providing two opportunities to receive updates on the I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) Northbound Extension.  No formal presentation will be given, and the same information will be provided at each location. You are invited to attend anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Monday, August 5
Perry Hall High School
4601 Ebenezer Road, Nottingham, MD 21236
4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 7
William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary School
2706 Philadelphia Road, Abingdon, MD 21009
4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Additional information:

• I-95 ETL Public Meeting Boards (PDF Download) 
• I-95 ETL Public Meeting Post Card (PDF Download) 

Cashless Tolling Informational Open Houses:

Monday, May 20, 2019(6-8 p.m.)
Ferndale Volunteer Fire Dept.
4 Broadview Blvd. South
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Tuesday, May 21, 2019
(6-8 p.m.)
Havre de Grace Activity Center
351 Lewis Lane
Havre de Grace, MD 21078

Wednesday, May 22, 2019(6-8 p.m.)
Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center
323 Sollers Point Road
Dundalk, Maryland 21222

Wednesday, May 29, 2019
(6-8 p.m.)
Perryville High School
1696 Perryville Road
Perryville, MD 21903

Learn about the benefits of cashless tolling, how it works and have the opportunity to sign-up for E-ZPass Maryland. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide information on the best E-ZPass plan for your travel needs. There will not be a formal presentation. The same information will be provided at each Open House.

Additional information:

• Open House Flyer (PDF Download)

I-95 At Belvidere Road Study Informational Open House:

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

• 5 - 8 p.m
• Cecil College
• 1 Seahawk Drive
• North East, MD 21901

Thursday, January 17, 2019 
(Snow date January 24)

• 5 - 8 p.m.
• Perryville Community Fire Company
• 920 Principio Furnace Road
• Perryville, MD 21903 

Additional Information:

• I-95 At Belvidere Road Study
• Project Newsletter