Chapter 4 • Forecasts by Facility
4.2.2 Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse This section summarizes the estimated diversion impacts of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, and how the impacts were considered in this Legacy System annual forecast update. To quantify the impacts of trip diversion after the collapse, CDM Smith requested the latest transaction data from MDTA which captured the amount of traffic at I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (BHT) and the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel (FMT), which are the two alternatives that cross the Patapsco River. Using the daily gantry transaction data, along with monthly TVI data, the recapture rate for revenue at these two facilities was estimated to be around 40 percent. While many vehicles were able to divert to the tunnels on I-95 and I-895, certain commercial vehicles are banned from using these facilities due to their size and hazardous waste restrictions. Furthermore, as congestion increases on the tunnels due to the traffic shift, some additional MDTA customers may choose to divert or forego their trip altogether. Because of this, a share of traffic could shift to non-MDTA facilities such as the I-695 outer loop around Baltimore or local roads through the downtown area. 4.2.3 Construction The major construction projects expected to impact traffic and revenue on the MDTA Legacy system are described below. In reviewing these projects and estimating the traffic impacts, it was estimated that during the construction periods, some traffic would divert to the next best alternative tolled or toll-free crossing if possible, while a small portion of more discretionary trips would be suppressed. 1. Eastbound Span of William Preston Lane, Jr Memorial Bridge (US-50) – This project will rehabilitate the deck of the eastbound span of the William Preston Lane (Bay) Bridge. Construction began in January 2023 and initial construction and material procurement will continue through the end of 2023. Major construction will be performed primarily during off-peak night-time closures which will begin in Winter 2023/2024. Preliminary completion is estimated for Fall 2026. 2. Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) AET Conversion - This project supports the recent conversion of the facility to cashless tolling by permanently removing the existing toll plaza and installing a gantry system. The project scope also includes geometric improvements to the adjacent interchange ramps at Childs Street, Frankfurst Avenue, and Shell Road to comply with AASHTO standards, as well as removal and replacement of the Shell Road ramp, Frankfurst Avenue, and access road bridge structures along I-895. Consideration is being given to performing work excluding I-895 first to avoid impacting the increased traffic due to the FSK Bridge collapse. One year after FSK reopens, the construction impacts are anticipated to reduce I-895 down to a single lane in each direction for a duration of 12 months (December 2031 through November 2032). 3. I-95 ETL Northbound Extension – This project will involve the widening and reconstruction of I-95 northbound and is divided into two phases. The first phase involved an extension from MD 43 to MD 152 and was open to traffic in December 2024. The second phase, which is currently under construction, extends the ETL from MD 152 to north of MD
4-3
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online