Public Safety In its commitment to ensuring the well-being of Maryland residents and travelers, the MDTA upholds public health and safety in all activities and operations. Through proactive measures, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with relevant agencies, the MDTA strives to create a secure and healthy transportation environment for all. Management of Public Safety The MDTA abides by public health and safety regulations issued by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Program, and the US Department of Health. Maintenance of MDTA roads and building facilities is an ongoing effort that bolsters the safety of Maryland’s roadways and facilities. For maintenance needed before a full replacement, the MDTA has specific contracts in place outside of its capital program to address needs that arise outside of planned capital upgrades. Please read more in the Long-Term Monitoring and Maintenance section of this report. MDTA Work Zone Safety Program The MDTA’s Work Zone Safety Program was developed to improve temporary traffic control (TTC) set-ups on MDTA roadways, which would ultimately improve work zone safety for the traveling public. This program has three main components:
Targeted Training – A training course was developed for personnel inspecting and
implementing TTC on MDTA facilities. The training is a supplement to the traffic manager certification course and focuses on MDTA-specific requirements (e.g., Bay Bridge and the Fort McHenry and Baltimore Harbor tunnels). Inspection – A formal program was developed for TTC inspection reporting and monitoring. MDTA/Consultant construction management and inspection staff assigned to a specific project perform daily TTC inspections, document any corrective actions, and complete a TTC inspection report daily. An Independent Quality Assurance Inspector performs random (i.e. unannounced) TTC inspections on all MDTA roadways during the day or night. The Independent Quality Assurance Inspector completes a TTC Inspection Report. Auditing – Summary reports are generated on all TTC inspections completed by the Independent Quality Assurance Inspector. The process creates accountability of the MDTA/Consultant construction management and inspection staff assigned to specific projects. The MDTA Temporary Traffic Control Inspection and Training Program has resulted in significant improvements in the implementation of TTC on MDTA roadways. In 2024, there were 2,089 inspections completed on construction contracts and annual facility inspections. Since 2020, the average number of corrective actions per TTC inspection has decreased by over 60%, improving work zone safety on MDTA roadways. The Program aligns with MDOT’s mission, goals, and objectives by improving roadway safety for its customers through an intelligent transportation solution.
I-95 Express Toll Lanes
Accessibility Ensuring that all of the MDTA’s facilities are fully accessible to all employees and customers is part of the MDTA’s commitment to an inclusive transportation system. Management of the MDTA’s Accessibility To enhance accessibility, the MDTA employs various strategies such as implementing all- electronic toll lanes that have significantly improved traffic flow and reduced bottlenecks. Additionally, the MDTA provides the following automatic tolling options for travelers: ③ E-ZPass allows for an antenna to read a small electronic device mounted on a vehicle’s windshield and then charges the driver’s account for the correct toll amount. Drivers can establish an E-ZPass account using a credit card, personal check, or cash. ③ Pay-by-Plate is a hassle-free way to pay Maryland tolls. Under this program, tolls are billed automatically to a driver’s credit card as MDTA facilities are used, with no need for an E-ZPass device. ③ Video Tolling is a form of electronic toll collection that uses still images of a vehicle’s license plate to identify a vehicle liable to pay a toll. The image is captured as the vehicle drives under the gantry or through a toll plaza at a toll-collection facility. The vehicle owner will receive a mailed invoice.
The MDTA strives to ensure its tolling facilities also connect travelers to as many additional modes of public transportation as possible. The Intercounty Connector (ICC) was Maryland’s first all-electronic toll road where tolls are collected at highway speed as motorists drive under tolling structures, called gantries. The ICC improves access to: ③ Metrorail ③ Maryland Area Rail Commuter Rail (MARC)
③ BWI Marshall Airport ③ Local transit services ③ MTA’s Commuter Bus Service
In addition, in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s updated ADA regulations governing digital accessibility, the MDTA is strengthening its approach to accessible communications and service delivery. Our ongoing efforts focus on enhancing the accessibility of websites and public-facing documents in accordance with the new federal Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards, supporting equitable access to transportation information and services for all MDTA customers. Accessibility considerations are incorporated into digital governance, procurement, and content development processes to promote long-term compliance and accessible service delivery.
47
Governance, Risk, and Impact Report
48
Governance, Risk, and Impact Report
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator