Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced Monday the state will proceed with plans to improve the American Legion Bridge and create managed lanes along I495 and I270.
However, Moore said he would seek public funding, requesting money from the federal government, rather than continue former Governor Larry Hogan’s public-partnership program.
Under consideration by the state Department of Transportation is implementation of managed lanes from the American Legion Bridge along I495 to the I270 west spur. That would be in the first phase. How to proceed on the section from the I270 west spur to I370 in Rockville will be decided later.
The state will conduct an environmental study of transportation needs of the area around I270 north of the Intercounty Connector.
“Transportation is not just about physical mobility; it’s about quality of life, access and opportunity,” said Moore. “The transportation network throughout Maryland and the National Capital Region must be able to get people where they need to go in a timely and reliable manner. Providing long-desired, equitable transportation solutions in the American Legion Bridge and I-270 corridors is critical to eliminating employment barriers, linking more people to high-demand jobs and stimulating local economies.”
County Executive Marc Elrich strongly condemned Hogan’s plan to widen and use toll lanes, but his reaction to Moore’s plan was more nuanced. He praised Moore for starting at the American Legion Bridge, seeking federal funds and listening to those who criticized the previous P-3 plan.
“For the last several years, I have argued that I am not against expansion of these roadways, but I did not want a bad design, unnecessary expenses, and oppressive toll rates,” he wrote in a statement.
“I am heartened by the Moore Administration and MDOT acknowledgement that engaging with the communities is fundamental to the success of this project, and based on conversations thus far, I am optimistic that this project can be done without the impacts that people are concerned about. Since taking office the Moore Administration and MDOT officials have been willing to meet, listen, and learn about our priorities and problems with the Hogan Administration’s plan,” he wrote.
However, others who criticized Hogan’s plans came out against Moore’s plans as well.
Councilmember Kate Stewart posted that she was “disappointed,” noting, “We had hoped that the Administration would take the opportunity to put forward a more holistic, equitable, and sustainable approach to improving how we move through our communities.”
She called managed lanes, or toll lanes, inherently inequitable.
The Sierra Club of Maryland labeled Moore’s proposal “flawed,” relying on data from the early Managed Lanes Study.
Instead, that group prefers such concepts as bus rapid transit networks on parallel roads, conversion of a lane on I-495 for bus, vanpools and HOV and reversible lanes during rush hour.
— Councilmember Kate Stewart (she/her) (@cmkatestewart) August 21, 2023
