The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization for the Baltimore region, seeks public comments from Thursday, September 30, 2021 through Friday, October 29 on the preferred alternatives for a new section of the Patapsco Regional Greenway in Carroll County. The BRTB invites the public to learn more about these proposed alignments at a public meeting on Thursday, September 30 at 6:00 p.m.
In 2017, the BRTB approved a concept plan for the Patapsco Regional Greenway, which will be used by bicyclists, hikers, runners, walkers, and in some locations, equestrians. To date, over 12 miles of the greenway have been completed. Now, the BRTB seeks your input on the preferred alignments for the Sykesville to McKeldin Segment, which will add another 8.5 miles to the greenway.
Details about the comment period and how to provide comments are available below.
About the Patapsco Regional Greenway
The Patapsco Regional Greenway maps the main alignment of a 40-mile, shared-use trail traveling through the Patapsco Valley from Sykesville in Carroll County to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The trail, when completed, would pass through or near the communities of Sykesville, Marriottsville, Woodstock, Daniels, Oella, Ellicott City, Catonsville, Elkridge, Halethorpe, Baltimore Highlands, and Cherry Hill. The Patapsco Regional Greenway will serve as a region-wide asset and provide nearby communities with a sustainable transportation route and miles of recreational trails.
About the Sykesville to McKeldin Area Project
The Sykesville to McKeldin Segment of the Patapsco Regional Greenway consists of two sections - 1) the western portion near downtown Sykesville and 2) the eastern portion near the McKeldin area of the Patapsco Valley State Park.
In Spring 2021, a comment period was held to gather feedback on the alignment of each of these trail segments. After reviewing comments, a route for each section was selected. Details are below.
Section 1 - Western Portion: Main Street Sykesville to Freedom Park
The western portion will connect downtown Sykesville shops, dining, and residences along Main Street to active and passive recreation opportunities in Freedom Park. This section of the trail is intended for low impact trail users such as walkers and cyclists and will consist primarily of paved shared use paths, on-road facilities, and a boardwalk structure along Sandosky Road.
Two alignment alternatives for Section 1 were considered during the public input period this Spring. The design team considered public comments, steering committee comments, local advisory committee comments, and general design principles in identifying the Sandosky Road alignment as the preferred alignment.
The Sandosky Road alignment is a paved shared use path that travels from Main Street in downtown Sykesville, north along Sandosky Road, crossing MD 32 to Raincliffe Road and finally into Freedom Park via the Buttercup Road intersection.
Section 2 - Eastern Portion: Freedom Park to the McKeldin Area in Patapsco Valley State Park
Users of this section of the trail will encounter dense forest, scenic views, ruins of abandoned structures, stream crossings, and many other points of interest. The design will highlight the natural and cultural wonders of the park integrating high overlooks, rock formations, and archaeological treasures. The natural surface trail will serve hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders with a sustainably constructed unpaved trail.
Similar to the western portion, the eastern portion considered two alignment alternatives through the Patapsco Valley State Park. The eastern portion of the multi-use trail will connect Freedom Park with the McKeldin Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park. Utilizing public comments, steering committee comments, advisory committee comments, and sound engineering judgement, the South Branch alignment was selected as the preferred alignment.
The South Branch alignment begins in Freedom Park and meanders through Patapsco Valley State Park towards the Heart of Maryland Bowhunters Club property. From there, the multi-use trail veers south towards the South Branch of the Patapsco River crossing over the historic Henryton rail tunnel, through the historic Henryton Sanitorium, paralleling Henryton Road and finally crossing Marriottsville Road before ending in the McKeldin area of the Patapsco Valley State Park.
Share Your Thoughts
The public is invited to share their feedback on the preferred alternatives for the Patapsco Regional Greenway: Sykesville to McKeldin Segment from Thursday, September 30, 2021 through Friday, October 29, 2021.
A virtual public meeting was held on September 30, 2021 to share information about this project and the preferred alternatives.
View the Recorded Presentation
There are also several ways you can provide comments in writing:
- Add your comments to our project page at https://publicinput.com/prgsykesville
- Email your thoughts to prgsykesville@PublicInput.com
- Text prgsykesville to 855-925-2801 to share your comments
- Call us at 855-925-2801 x 3163 and leave a voicemail with your feedback
- @BaltoMetroCo @BmoreInvolved | Use #BRTBlistens
For more information:
Contact Keith Kucharek, Transportation Planner, by email at kkucharek@baltometro.org, or by phone at 410-732-0500 x1052.
Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.