Governance
Long-Term Monitoring and Maintenance Long-term monitoring and maintenance are of critical importance to the MDTA, because the MDTA’s role involves the management of road and transportation infrastructure that is expected to remain in place for decades.
Facility inspections include: ③ All bridges ③ Tunnels ③ Underground stormwater management structures ③ Waterfront structures ③ Roadway pavement ③ Retaining walls ③ Noise walls ③ Traffic safety features
③ Sign structures ③ Toll gantries ③ Water/communication towers ③ High-mast and low- level lights ③ CCTV camera poles ③ Toll plazas ③ Weigh scales
The MDTA works closely with MDOT to establish long-term monitoring and maintenance priorities, which are currently outlined in the 2050 Maryland Transportation Plan (MTP). The MDTA seeks to implement a balanced program that incorporates system preservation, expansion, and hybrid projects, and is currently executing on a final six-year capital program for 2026-2031. The 2026-2031 program details spending of $8.4 billion on preservation and improvement projects ranging from minor renovations to large-scale construction projects designed to secure, preserve, and enhance MDTA facilities for years to come. The MDTA is in the process of developing the draft capital program for 2027-2032, and as such, changes are forthcoming. Independent engineers, engineering firms or corporations with the appropriate skill and experience inspect MDTA’s bridges, tunnels, roadways, lighting, and signage periodically in accordance with industry standards, after which reports with detailed findings are submitted to the MDTA. The MDTA inspected 326 bridges in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), and all bridges allow for legally loaded vehicles, and emergency vehicles to traverse safely. In 2025, all facilities were found to be maintained in good repair, working order, and condition. Management of Long-Term Monitoring and Maintenance The MDTA’s Facilities Inspection Program is responsible for ensuring that the MDTA’s nine facilities are in good repair, working order, and condition. Through the program, the MDTA performs facility inspections following requirements set forth by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through the NBIS, National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS), the MDTA’s Trust Agreement (latest amendment), and industry standards.
As part of its commitment to ethical decision-making, the MDTA actively promotes a governance framework that ensures ethical behavior, accountability, compliance, and effective oversight. The agency upholds the highest ethical standards in managing its operations, complying with all applicable federal and State regulations to safeguard the interests of its stakeholders. Ethics and Compliance The MDTA’s culture works to create policies, systems, and procedures that enable its employees to act and make choices with integrity, operate with strong ethical standards, and comply with State and local laws. The MDTA is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards. Our commitment begins with the agency’s leaders, who foster a culture of ethics and ensure that this is deeply integrated in everything we do. The
The following types of inspection are performed at various intervals for different types of assets throughout the facilities. Monthly intervals are shown for assets reported to the Federal Highway Administration: ③ Routine Inspection: The routine inspection is a hands-on inspection for all components of workhorse and complex bridge structures, as well as tunnels. It is performed in accordance with federal regulations every 24 months. The MDTA reports asset data such as overall condition of each structure to the FHWA each calendar year. Each year the FHWA uses all bridge and tunnel data to perform a compliance review in accordance with metrics unique to each asset. ③ Quadrennial Inspection: The quadrennial inspection is a hands-on inspection performed every four years to determine the overall condition of all non-bridge assets. ③ Risk Based Interim (RBI) Inspection: RBI inspections are voluntary inspections performed on any asset outside of the routine or quadrennial inspection interval, and as requested by the Structures Department. The MDTA uses these inspections when deficiencies are found during Routine or Quadrennial Inspections and require repair through design. These deficiencies are
agency’s core tenets include the following: ③ Seek to always act with honesty, integrity, and respect. ③ Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. ③ Work to provide high-quality services that have a positive impact on all Maryland communities.
③ Put the safety of employees, community, and contractors first. ③ Encourage consistent and clear communication, both internally within the MDTA and externally with communities.
Management of Ethics and Compliance All employees of the MDTA are required to abide by State Ethics Laws and the Employee Code of Conduct. The Employee Code of Conduct outlines the key expectations and standards by which all MDTA employees must abide. The agency encourages all employees to report all potential ethical issues or violations. The Office of Legislative Audits has established a dedicated hotline at 1.877.372.8311 for reporting concerns.
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Governance, Risk, and Impact Report
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Governance, Risk, and Impact Report
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