Transportation

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) welcomes comments on its draft Budget & Work Program for Fiscal Years 2020-2021 through Thursday, March 12, 2020.

The BRTB is scheduled to vote on the final Budget & Work Program on Friday, May 1, 2020. 

What is the UPWP?

The BRTB’s Budget & Work Program is known as the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for Transportation Planning. It is a federal requirement that details projects, studies and other activities to be completed by BRTB members and staff of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC).

The BRTB develops this list of regional transportation planning activities every two fiscal years. This addendum includes an updated budget for FY 2021 of $8,901,750.

UPWP funds support staff for regional planning activities with some consultant assistance. New projects for FY 2021 include:

• Transportation and Land Use Connection Grants - Provide short-term consultant services to local jurisdictions for small planning projects that either improve access to existing communities and regional generators of economic activity or promote mixed-use, walkable communities and that support a variety of transportation alternatives. This is directly related to several strategies the BRTB adopted in developing the regional long-range transportation plan, Maximize2045.
• Patapsco Regional Greenway – Funds consultant services to advance the design and planning for a second segment of the Patapsco Regional Greenway, a proposed 30-mile trail from Sykesville in Carroll County to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
• Baltimore Region Transit Governance and Funding – Study, analyze and recommend alternative governance and funding models for the Baltimore area transit system to the current state-led model. Identify potential approaches that more equitably distribute governing and funding responsibilities, improve performance, accountability and increased ridership on Baltimore’s transit system. This proposed project is an outgrowth of the Regional Transit Plan for Central Maryland.
• Transit Priority Screening – Evaluate up to three corridors where local transit operates to see if travel time is improved by providing priority to transit vehicles at certain intersections controlled by traffic signals.
• Infrastructure in a Changing Climate – To address impacts that are already evident, this task will develop the Resource Toolkit for Planning, Operating, and Maintaining Local Infrastructure in a Changing Climate. The Toolkit will provide ways that operations and maintenance departments could consider climate change in their decisions today and in coming years to ensure operations remain as efficient as possible, while considering impacts on resources, staff, and on our community.

View the Addendum to the FY 2020-2021 UPWP or a list of Frequently Asked Questions

Download the Budget & Work Program for FY 2020-2021 or visit BMC to view a printed copy.

B’More Involved

The public is invited to provide feedback on these proposed regional transportation planning activities through Thursday, March 12, 2020.

To learn more about the UPWP and the proposed updated budget and projects, please view the recording below of the virtual public meeting held on Wednesday, February 19 at noon.

Virtual Public Meeting

Please send all comments in writing to:

ONLINE	EMAIL	TWITTER	MAIL	FAX
BRTB Comment Form	comments@baltometro.org	@BaltoMetroCo    @BmoreInvolved  #BRTBlistens	The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300 Baltimore, MD 21230	410-732-8248

 

The public may also provide feedback during the Public Comment Opportunity at the BRTB monthly meetings at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, Tuesday, March 24, or before the vote at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, May 1. at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), located at 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21230.

View:

The BRTB is the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for transportation in the region. BMC provides the BRTB with staff support.

The BRTB 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.
 

With the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaching, many Marylanders will hit the roads to be with their families. Holiday travel is stressful enough without the annoyance of bumper-to-bumper traffic and hours of delays. Instead of going with the flow, here are some tips on how to make your travel a little bit easier this week.

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) estimates that more than 3.4 million travelers will drive on its highways, bridges and tunnels this Thanksgiving. This estimate forecasts a slight increase in travel from last year’s Thanksgiving holiday traffic.

In previous years, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving was considered the busiest travel day of the year. Although Wednesday, November 27, is expected to be the heaviest travel day, data shows that families trying to beat the rush have increased traffic on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving as well.

Using crowdsourced vehicle probe data, we have determined that peak travel occurs in the 4 o’clock hour on both the Tuesday and Wednesday of Thanksgiving week, making this one of the worst times to travel. Speed maps from Tuesday and Wednesday of Thanksgiving week 2018 show where traffic problems occurred.

By looking at the data from last year, those who had been thinking of leaving a day early on Tuesday to get a jump on traffic may have been surprised, as traffic was very heavy throughout the region. However, as you can see in the map below, I-95 northbound appeared significantly slower on Wednesday north of the beltway approaching Harford County at the peak travel hour. The Baltimore Beltway was showing heavier traffic on Tuesday last year primarily due to crashes.

The following animated maps show speeds on the major highways of the Baltimore Region on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving in 2018. Just press play to see a 24-hour time-lapse animation of both days side by side. Pan around and zoom in or out to take see what conditions on your family’s route to Thanksgiving dinner may look like this year.

Travel advisories:

As for the best times to travel, our partners at the Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) offer these travel tips for the Thanksgiving Day holiday:

Bay Bridge:

The deck surface of the Bay Bridge right lane has reached the end of its service life and is severely deteriorated. To expedite the rehabilitation project, crews are working day and night, seven days a week, and will continue during Thanksgiving week. This will save significant time because crews not only gain the work week, but didn’t have to stop work in advance of the holiday to prepare the right lane for traffic. That process would have involved removing jersey barriers and restriping lanes.

Motorists should expect major delays in both directions and plan to leave an extra 20 to 30 minutes early if crossing the bridge. Recommended times to travel the Bay Bridge during the Thanksgiving holiday are:

Eastbound:

• Tuesday through Friday, November 26-29, before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
• Monday, December 2, before noon and after 8 p.m.

Westbound:

• Tuesday and Wednesday, November 26-27, before 5 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Thursday through Sunday, November 28-December 1, before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
• Monday, December 2, before 5 a.m. and after 2 p.m.

I-95 Corridor

MdTA is reminding motorists using I-95 to travel these off-peak hours:

• Tuesday and Wednesday, November 26-27, before 6 a.m. and after 11 p.m.
• Thursday and Friday, November 28-29, before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, November 29-30, before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m.

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC)’s congestion management process analyzes where and when traffic in the Baltimore region tends to pile up and for how long it will stay congested by looking at data from various crowdsourced probe data sources. According to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) who manage the region’s toll facilities, travelers should consider departing during off-peak hours to avoid significant delays along the I-95 corridor.

*All graphics and animations are generated in cooperation with the I-95 Corridor Coalition, Probe Data Analytics Project and the University of Maryland Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies (CATT) Lab. Vehicle probe data provided by INRIX. Advisories provided by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA)

We are proud to announce that the Regional Bicycle Facilities Map is up to date. Originally launched in February 2019, this data product enhances bicycle commuting planning in the Baltimore region. This latest release updates the map for 2019 and adds data for Queen Anne’s County.

The Regional Bicycle Facilities Map contains all existing bicycle trails and lanes in the Baltimore region. The focus of the data is on commuting, rather than recreational cycling. It will enable better transportation planning by allowing planners to identify gaps in connectivity among existing bicycle trails and lanes.

Information includes location, facility type, side of road, trail or road name (if applicable), and speed limit (if applicable). Bicycle trails that do not aid in commuting, such as a small loop in a park, may not be represented on the Regional Bicycle Facility Map.

The new data can be accessed through an online mapping application. For planners and advanced data users, the raw GIS data is available on BMC’s website.

The Regional Bicycle Facilities Map is a collaborative product of BMC, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board’s (BRTB’s) Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Group (BPAG), county planning and GIS partners from the Baltimore region, the Maryland Department of Planning, Maryland Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

View the updated map

The week of October 21-25, the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) along with the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), hosted the 2019 AMPO Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor. The Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) is a nonprofit, membership organization established in 1994 to serve the needs and interests of “metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs)” nationwide.

Over 320 representatives of MPOs from across the country attended the Annual Conference, along with Policy Board Members, Federal and State employees, and consultants who shared information on MPO issues.

The conference included workshops and sessions to share best practices of regional efforts to advance sustainable, multi-modal transportation planning. These sessions and workshops included topics such as environmental justice, the future of transportation, transportation planning capacity building, MPO roles and relevancy, accessibility, public involvement, funding and financing, and data.

Highlights of the conference included addresses by the Federal Highway Administrator Nicole Nason, MDOT Deputy Secretary R. Earl Lewis and the Baltimore City DOT Director Steve Sharkey.

Also of note, BMC’s Director of Transportation Planning, Todd Lang, was re-elected to the nine member AMPO Board of Directors during the conference.

BMC and BRTB were pleased to host this year’s gathering that welcomed national and regional experts to greater Baltimore, and highlighted the great work of MPOs throughout the Country.

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) along with the Intelligent Transportation Society of Maryland (ITSMD) held its joint Annual Meeting and BRTB Traffic Signal Forum on Wednesday, October 16th at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum. The two events are held jointly every two years.

The forum welcomed a record breaking 250 attendees and examined the conference theme of Smart Mobility: Moving Safely, Moving Ahead. Guests included staff from local and state departments of transportation and public works, traffic engineers, signal engineers, planners, transportation system operators; private sector companies involved in consulting, providing/installing/maintaining/designing traffic signal equipment and ITS equipment, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and academia. The event also included 26 exhibitors from public and private sectors.

The forum commenced with a welcome video from Chrissy Nizer, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator and welcome keynote from Neil Pedersen, Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board. Pedersen provided an informative overview of completed research on strategies, challenges, and issues related to implementation of connected vehicle and automated vehicle technologies.

Following the opening address, the group split into two tracks of sessions. The first focused on transportation technologies, including emerging trends such as shared mobility and micro mobility (e-scooters) and transportation system management. The second focused on traffic signal operations, data, and technologies.

During lunch, keynote speaker Shailen Bhatt, President and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA) provided information from a national perspective related to transportation technologies and priorities for reauthorization of federal transportation legislation, which expires in September of 2020.

The final plenary session was a panel on smart mobility featuring representatives from CISCO, Ford, BOSCH, and Lyft, who shared their perspectives and observations of implementing emerging technologies and new forms of mobility.

The day concluded with an exhibitor-sponsored reception, which provided more time for networking and discussions with exhibitors.

Guests received a wealth of new information, training, discussion and networking as a result of the Joint ITSMD Annual Meeting and BRTB Traffic Signal Forum.

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, July, 24th, 2019) - The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization for the region, voted to adopt two plans totaling $15.66 billion in key transportation projects planned for the region over the next 25 years. The action was taken at the BRTB’s meeting yesterday held at the Randallstown Community Center in Baltimore County. The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) provides staff support to the BRTB in its regional transportation planning efforts.

 

Over 200 projects are outlined in the two regional transportation investment plans – Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan and the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The BRTB and BMC staff hosted eight public meetings and accepted public comment between May 9 and June 18.

 

"We appreciate the staff, government partners and members of the public whose input shaped these important plans." said Michael B. Kelly, BMC’s Executive Director. “These guiding documents will help our region deliver a strong, accessible and connected transportation system that helps all people lead regional lives.”

 

Maximize2045 contains a list of major capital transportation projects totaling $12 billion, which the region expects to implement from 2024 to 2045. Maximize2045 includes $65 billion in planned investment overall, with $53 billion allocated for operations and preservation of transportation systems in the region. The plan also establishes the region's broad transportation goals and performance measures, which serve as guiding principles as the region plans and carries out projects. Developed over a two-year period, Maximize2045 takes into account anticipated funding levels through 2045, as well as future trends and demographics.



The 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program details more than $3.66 billion in proposed federal, state and local money for maintaining, operating and expanding highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian networks during the next four years.



As part of the development of these plans, the BRTB conducted a comprehensive Air Quality analysis, published in a Conformity Determination. The analysis shows that implementation of the projects in Maximize2045 and 2020-2023 TIP will not delay the timely attainment of national air quality standards.  

Other business on the BRTB’s agenda included a vote to install new executive officers for FY2020. Carroll County will serve as chair of the board this year, represented by Board of Commissioners President Stephen Wantz and empowered representative Lynda Eisenberg, Director of Planning. Anne Arundel County will serve as vice-chair, represented by County Executive Steuart Pittman and empowered representative Ramond Robinson, Transportation Officer.

 

The BRTB 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.

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On behalf of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, thank you to everyone who sent comments and attended our series of public meetings on Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan, the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Air Quality Conformity Determination.



Over 200 projects estimated at $15 billion are part of two regional transportation investment plans covering the next 25 years. The BRTB is scheduled to vote on these plans at their next meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23 at the Randallstown Community Center (3505 Resource Dr, Randallstown, MD 21133).  Visit maximize2045.com to learn more. 

RESPONSE TO COMMENTS

The BRTB is continually striving to improve the transportation planning process based on the comments received to deliver effective plans and programs. As such, all comments received have been considered by the BRTB members.



A response to all comments has been published by the BRTB and can be viewed via the link below.  



Those who wish to make additional comments prior to the BRTB's vote on Maximize2045 may do so during the public comment opportunity at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23.  

View the record of comments and the BRTB's Response to Comments

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) and its state and local partners are happy to announce the launch of its new, regional pedestrian and bicycle safety campaign for the Baltimore Region – LOOK ALIVE, featuring Signal Woman.  The campaign launched on Monday June 3, 2019 at Olympian Park in Towson. Speakers included Baltimore Metropolitan Council Executive Director Mike Kelly, Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr., Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, MDOT State Highway Administration Office of Traffic and Safety Director Cedric Ward, and Baltimore County Police Department Captain Joseph Donahue.

LOOK ALIVE, is a new campaign in the greater Baltimore region to raise awareness and educate drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists on how to be safe on our roads. The campaign is a collaboration between BMC, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office and State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems and regional transportation and law enforcement officials from Baltimore City, and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Harford, Carroll, and Queen Anne’s counties.

Click here to download and share LOOK ALIVE resources with your community.

While traffic fatalities in Maryland declined last year overall, the number of pedestrians killed on state roads in 2018 was 133, an increase of 12 percent from 2017.

According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, the biggest factors in pedestrian and bicyclist deaths are vehicle speed, distraction, time of day and alcohol use. The LOOK ALIVE campaign, which runs through the fall, relays a message of safety and awareness.

Efforts such as traffic calming, making crosswalks more prominent and visible, shifting lanes, lowering speed limits where appropriate, and providing more protective space for pedestrians and bicyclists are regional and statewide priorities for MDOT SHA.

LOOK ALIVE integrates several components, including television, outdoor, digital engagement, community outreach, and media relations. Education is coupled with high visibility enforcement waves, in which police put an added emphasis on enforcing traffic safety laws to protect people walking and biking in the greater Baltimore region.

For more information, please visit www.lookalivemd.org. 

 

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) seeks qualified firms or organizations to provide professional services to: (1) develop a strategy for a Congestion Management Process (CMP); and (2) develop a template for corridor studies for the Baltimore region.



Proposals must be received by BMC no later than Friday, June 28, 2019, at 2 p.m. 



Written questions about this procurement should be sent to Regina Aris at raris@baltometro.org or  (410) 732-8248 (fax) no later than Monday, June 17. Answers to questions will be posted on the BMC website no later than Wednesday, June 19.   

 

View the RFP

TRANSPORTATION MATTERS; SO DOES YOUR OPINION.

BRTB seeks public comments on regional transportation plans totaling over $15 billion in projects

You have the chance to help shape the future by sharing your thoughts on $15.66 billion in key transportation projects planned for the region over the next 25 years.

Over 200 projects are part of two transportation plans open for public comment from Thursday, May 9 through Tuesday, June 18.

Maximize 2045  |  2020-2023 TIP  |  Air Quality Report  |  Share your thoughts

The projects are part of two regional transportation investment plans covering the next 25 years:  Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan and the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Also available for review is the associated Air Quality Conformity Determination. The BRTB is scheduled to vote on these documents on Tuesday, July 23.

Let the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) know what you think about its plans to invest in the future of transportation. Details are below. 

About Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan

Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan is a regional long-range transportation plan that seeks to make the best use of—or maximize—the resources that make up and support the Baltimore region’s transportation system.

Maximize2045 contains a list of major capital transportation projects totaling $12 billion, which the region expects to implement from 2024 to 2045. Maximize2045 includes $65 billion in planned investment overall, with $53 billion allocated for operations and preservation of transportation systems in the region. The plan also establishes the region's broad transportation goals and performance measures, which serve as guiding principles as the region plans and carries out projects. Developed over a two-year period, Maximize2045 takes into account anticipated funding levels through 2045, and future trends and demographics.

Download Maximize2045 Chapters:

T.O.C./Exec. Summary/Ch.1 - Requirements | Ch. 2 – Factors & Trends/Ch. 3 – Emerging Tech.

Ch. 4 – Goals/Ch. 5 – Perf. Meas. | Ch. 6 – Financial Plan/Ch. 7 – Major Capital Projects

Download Appendices:

App. A – Glossary/App. B – Project Eval.   |   App. C – Potential Effects

App. D – Congestion Mgmt./App. E – Public Outreach

About the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

The 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program* details more than $3.66 billion in proposed federal, state and local money for maintaining, operating and expanding highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian networks during the next four years. The TIP is fiscally constrained.

View the draft 2020-2023 TIP through BRTB’s interactive project map or:

Download the 2020-2023 TIP  |  Introduction and Background  |  Financial Plan 

Projects by jurisdiction: Environmental Justice |  Appendices

Projects in the TIP are also available to review in pdf by project sponsor, either a local jurisdiction or state agency.

Anne Arundel County  |  Baltimore City  |  Baltimore County   |  Carroll County  |  Harford County  |  Howard County

MDTA  |  MDOT MTA  |  Maryland Port Administration

MDOT SHA and the Office of the Secretary

Analysis of Air Quality Conformity

The Baltimore region has been designated as not meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and so must review its current transportation plans and programs to ensure conformity with the State Air Quality Implementation Plan (SIP). The Air Quality Conformity Determination report details a comprehensive analysis of effects that the draft 2020-2023 TIP and the draft Maximize2045 have on the Baltimore region. The report addresses ground-level ozone emissions.

The conformity results show that implementation of these projects will not worsen the region’s air quality or delay the timely attainment of national air quality standards.  

Read the Air Quality Conformity Determination |  Appendices

Share Your Thoughts

Thursday, May 9, through Tuesday, June 18, 2019.  Those interested in commenting on projects may do so during a public meeting:

Light refreshments will be served and activities for children will be provided.

Comments are also welcome during the public comment opportunity at the BRTB meetings at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, Tuesday, June 25, and Tuesday, July 23 (scheduled vote). Please check the BMC website for meeting locations.

To share your thoughts and ideas, submit all comments to:

Online: Via the BRTB Comment Form

Email:  comments@baltometro.org

Twitter: @BaltoMetroCo and @BmoreInvolved using the hashtag #BRTBlistens

Mail:     The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board
              Attn: Public Involvement Coordinator
              1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300
              Baltimore, MD 21230

Fax:       410-732-8248

For more information:

Contact Regina Aris, Assistant Transportation Director, by email raris@baltometro.org, or by phone at 410-732-.9572

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.

* The MTA, in lieu of a separate mandated public comment period has exercised its option to use the procedures of the BRTB’s public involvement process for the 2020-2023 TIP. The public participation process for the TIP will also meet the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) public participation requirements for the MTA’s Program of Projects (POP).