U.S. 50/301 split near Grasonville. The Tier 2 Study is evaluating measures to reduce congestion; improve travel times and reliability, mobility, and roadway deficiencies; and accommodate maintenance activities and navigation, while minimizing impacts to local communities and the environment. The MDTA is developing and analyzing multiple alternatives within study limits that extend from the MD 2/ MD 450 interchange in Anne Arundel County to the U.S. 50/U.S. 301 split in Queen Anne’s County. These alternatives include the No Build Alternative and a range of build alternatives involving various lane configurations, alignments, and modal and operational alternatives. Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement The $140 million Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement project began major construction in 2023 and is ongoing and more than 50% of the deck panels have been replaced. The MDTA has designed the project, often referred to as a re-decking, to ensure minimal traffic impacts for residents and motorists. The eastbound re-decking project will include replacement of the deck floor system, barrier upgrades, major structural rehabilitation of the truss superstructure, lane use signal gantry replacements and utility relocations, as well as off-site storm water management work. Francis Scott Key Bridge On March 26, 2024, the main spans and three approach spans of the Key Bridge (I-695) collapsed after a container ship struck one of the Key Bridge piers. Since that time, the MDTA has made significant strides toward the reconstruction of the bridge. This includes but is not limited to obtaining a Categorical Exclusion classification and National Environmental Policy Act approval for the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project and awarding a $73 million contract (Phase 1) to the Progressive Design-Builder responsible for undertaking the complete design and construction of the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement.
For this critical project, the MDTA is using a Progressive Design-Build process, which brings on board a project delivery team under one entity and a single contract to provide both design and construction services. The two-phase Progressive Design-Build process emphasizes cooperation and flexibility to adapt to emerging needs and changes. Phase 1 of the project involves the development of the project scope and preliminary engineering. Phase 2 of the project will involve project final design/ engineering and construction after the MDTA and the Progressive Design-Builder negotiate a guaranteed maximum price for all remaining work. The Key Bridge is part of the MDTA’s multi-facility tolling system, representing 7.4% of toll revenues in fiscal year 2023 (last full year of operations). Given its close proximity to the Fort McHenry (I-95) and Baltimore Harbor (I-895) tunnels, which serve as the two other Baltimore Harbor crossings, a portion of traffic has diverted to the two facilities. The Fort McHenry and Baltimore Harbor tunnels are also owned and tolled by the MDTA, and toll revenues are expected to continue to support operations through estimated bridge reconstruction in fiscal 2029. The MDTA is partnering with State, local, and federal agencies in funding the reconstruction of the bridge and recently secured federal authorization for 100 percent of the replacement cost of the bridge to be funded through the federal Emergency Relief (ER) program. Drive Ez MD The MDTA continues to make significant strides toward enhancing the customer experience via Drive Ez MD. Drive Ez MD is the home for all things tolling in Maryland. Designed to “Keep Maryland Moving,” Drive Ez MD is an example of the MDTA’s commitment to being a leader in shaping and enhancing the delivery of tolling services. Drive Ez MD makes it more convenient to travel the State’s toll facilities with a new website, web chat, mobile app, expanded customer call center, new toll payment choices, audio alerts, text notifications, and more.
20 | Maryland Transportation Authority | Introductory Section
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