Travel Archives - Page 27 of 42

Transurban Submits Notice to Terminate Agreement With MDOT to Expand Capital Beltway and I-270

Published March 10, 2023 at 5:38PM

Transurban has announced that Accelerate Maryland Partners (AM Partners) has decided not to proceed with the Maryland Express Lanes Project and as a result has today submitted a notice to terminate to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) in regard to the preferred developer agreement. Additional information below, per the Transurban press release:

AM Partners was originally selected in February 2021 as Maryland’s preferred developer for Phase 1 of the project. Since that time, extensive work has been undertaken on the project and draft concession agreement in partnership with MDOT. However, the project continues to face challenges including significant delays to environmental approvals, changing political landscape and environmental lawsuits that remain unresolved. Following extensive good faith negotiations by AM Partners, agreement with MDOT on the form of the concession agreement has not been reached and a committed section proposal will not be submitted by the deadline of 21 March 2023.

Overturned Vehicle on 270 Spur Blocks Several Lanes Wednesday Morning

By Patrick Herron

Published January 11, 2023 at 10:54AM

More – SB I270 Spur IAO Fernwood Rd, prior to Democracy Blvd, collision, some lanes blocked pic.twitter.com/NKpT4JAULN

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) January 11, 2023

Metro Transit Police Officers Now Equipped with Narcan to Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths

By Patrick Herron

Published January 6, 2023 at 9:30AM

Per WMATA: Metro Transit Police Officers have a new tool to protect customers and save lives. All active duty MTPD officers and Metro’s crisis intervention specialists will be equipped with naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) to prevent deaths by opioid overdose.

The addition of naloxone as a life-saving resource comes as a result of increased calls to MTPD reporting suspected overdoses, from 27 incidents in 2021 to 43 incidents in 2022. MTPD officers are often first to respond to reports of sick customers possibly experiencing an overdose, and naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive. An MTPD officer administered life-saving naloxone to revive an unresponsive person suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose on the first day they were equipped with the drug.

Bridge Project Brings Speed Cameras Back to Beltway

By Cordell Pugh

Published January 3, 2023 at 8:44PM

A Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) bridge rehabilitation project is bringing Safe Zones Automated Speed Enforcement (“speed cameras”) back to the Beltway. This project involves the rehabilitation of the bridge carrying I-95 above the Outer Loop of the Beltway (I-495 West) within the I-495/I-95 interchange in College Park. Contractor crews will be repairing the bridge’s deck joints as well as its concrete piers and columns.

The Automated Speed Enforcement is focused on traffic on the Outer Loop of the Beltway, just past the split with I-95 North, headed towards New Hampshire Avenue and into Montgomery County. In a written statement, the State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) highlighted the different phases of this Automated Speed Enforcement effort:

MCFRS Respond to Two Separate Collisions in Between Connecticut Avenue and Rockville Pike

By Patrick Herron

Published December 29, 2022 at 10:03AM | Updated December 29, 2022 at 10:29AM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue responded to two separate collisions in between Connecticut Avenue and Rockville Pike/NB I270 on Thursday morning around 8am. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the first collision involved multiple vehicles, including one vehicle that hit the median/jersey wall/divider.

The second collision on the OL I495, prior to exit/split to NB I270, involved an overturned vehicle. One adult is is being transported by EMS with Priority 2 trauma. Some lanes are currently blocked prior to exit 34 and drivers should expect delays. We will post an update when additional information becomes available.

Petition Started to Remove Bike Lanes on Old Georgetown Road

By MCS Staff

Published December 27, 2022 at 6:09PM

A change.org petition has been started to remove the bike lanes that were recently added to Old Georgetown Road (MD187) in North Bethesda. MDOT converted one travel lane in each direction of the road, between south of I-495 and north of Nicholson Lane, to a buffered bicycle lane that include flex posts and green pavement. The remaining 11-foot travel lanes have also been narrowed to 10.5 and 10 feet.

According to the petition, “There are serious safety concerns regarding the new bike lanes on Old Georgetown Road (Maryland State Route 187) in Bethesda, MD. This heavily-trafficked 6-lane major highway has been reduced by 39% by removing 2 driving lanes and by reducing the width of the 4 remaining driving lanes. This ill-advised change was made in order to add 2 bike lanes with white plastic spikes separating the bike lanes from the driving lanes. This busy highway serves schools, the National Institutes of Health, Johns Hopkins University, Suburban Hospital, and the Bethesda Fire Station. It is often used by emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, and police cars. Reduced by 39% in driving capacity, the road now is consistently congested, with back-to-back traffic even in the middle of the day in good weather. This non-stop traffic has resulted in cars trying to avoid the gridlock by cutting through quiet residential side streets where children play. Ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, buses, and drivers in their personal cars can no longer quickly reach their destinations, potentially endangering many lives.”

Traffic: MCFRS Respond to Overturned Dump Truck Friday Morning

By Patrick Herron

Published December 16, 2022 at 1:03PM | Updated December 16, 2022 at 2:14PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services are on the scene of an overturned dump truck on I495 between Georgia Ave and Colesville Rd. There are currently significant delays on both the Inner and Outer loop of the highway. The driver of the truck was briefly entrapped in the vehicle and is reported to have suffered minor injuries.

According to @WTOPtraffic on Twitter, the left lanes are currently blocked due to the collision and spilled debris. Drivers are advised to seek and alternate route and to expect significant delays. We will post an update when additional information becomes available.

Maryland State Highway Administration Prepares for Statewide Winter Storm

By Patrick Herron

Published December 14, 2022 at 3:19PM

The storm is expected to begin as a wintry mix for points north and west of the I-95 corridor. Garrett and Allegany counties are expecting icing conditions, so motorists are encouraged to keep updated with forecasts and delay travel in the event of icing. The application of salt brine is used to prevent precipitation from initially bonding to the pavement. Motorists are encouraged to remain home and off the roads so crews can effectively and efficiently treat the roads.

“We’re asking for motorists’ patience while our crews are out doing their jobs, clearing paths for drivers,” MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith said. “While we encourage everyone to stay home if travel becomes hazardous, those who must go out should remember that the safest spot for people that have to drive is safely behind our equipment.”

Ride On Reimagined Study – Call for Focus Group Members

By Patrick Herron

Published December 14, 2022 at 10:07AM

Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is recruiting community members for focus groups. Both riders and non-riders are welcome to participate. Each focus group will be based on one of five areas across the County. Meetings will be held in public spaces such as Regional Service Centers or local libraries. The small group format will encourage active discussion. All locations are accessible via bus. Participants will be asked to attend two (2), two-hour-long local focus group sessions held from 6 – 8 p.m. on weeknights.

Governor-Elect Wes Moore’s Statement on MDOT Decision on I-495/1-270 Toll Lanes Contract

By Patrick Herron

Published November 21, 2022 at 9:50AM

Last week the Maryland Department of Transportation announced the next steps for the State of Maryland’s Traffic Relief Plan, which included a10-month extension for private companies to submit proposals. On Friday, Governor-Elect Wes Moore issued the following statement:

Under Lt. Gov.-Elect Aruna Miller’s leadership, the Moore-Miller administration is eager to work collaboratively with Comptroller-elect Brooke Lierman, Treasurer Dereck Davis, the Maryland General Assembly, County Executive Marc Erich, and our communities to find the best path forward.”

Beyond MoCo: MDOT SHA Completes I-270/MD 85 Interchange Reconstruction in Frederick County

By MCS Staff

Published November 18, 2022 at 8:46AM

$93 Million Project Expands Traffic Capacity, Reduces Congestion and Enhances Safety for Commuters, Residents and Businesses

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) earlier this week announced completion of a $93 million project to reconstruct and expand the I-270/MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike) interchange in Frederick County. This project enhances safety, reduces congestion and expands traffic capacity in this heavily traveled residential and commercial area.