Pedestrians and bike riders will see major improvements in safety and the state’s intermodal transportation system, and a reduction in transportation emissions thanks to a new round of funding announced by Gov. Wes Moore.
“This investment proves that we don’t have to choose between boosting our outdoor economy, investing in transportation projects, and cutting emissions – we can address all of these goals at the same time,” Moore said in a statement. “In partnership with local leaders, we are building a more competitive and sustainable state from Mountain Maryland to the Eastern Shore.”
The $16 million in grants will benefit 36 projects, including the retrofitting of a trail-highway crossing, new bike paths, and pedestrian improvements in school zones. $13.9 million of federal funding will go to 26 projects through the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Recreational Trails Program. $2.1 million in state funding will go towards 10 projects through the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program.
“Funding projects to enhance mobility and accessibility is a priority as these assets are an integral part of the state’s transportation system to provide safe, equitable and sustainable connections for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Paul J. Wiedefeld, Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary, in a statement. “These investments will help provide high-quality paths to connect communities, enhance safety for students to get to and from school and help the state reach its climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Transportation Alternatives Program and the Recreational Trails Program support community projects designed to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure. The Maryland State Highway Administration worked with regional committees to select projects for both programs.
The Recreational Trails Program will use $1 million for nine projects, including restoring a bridge in Kent County; improving trails in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Caroline County; a mountain bike trail in Garrett County; and more.
The Transportation Alternatives Program will use $13 million for projects like the “Safe Routes to Schools” in the cities of Baltimore, Brunswick, and Havre de Grace; a $1.25-mile extension of the St. Michaels Nature Trail; completing the design of a shared-use path along MD 611 in Worcester County; and more.
MDOT’s Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program will use its funding for design projects in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Cecil, Charles, and Prince George’s counties; a retrofit of a Levee Trail crossing in Mount Rainier to improve safety around a busy roadway; construction of a nature trail bypassing a state highway in St. Michaels; and more.
In June, Wiedefeld signed a department-wide Complete Streets Policy to enhance safety for all road users. The policy adds safety features such as bike lanes and pedestrian crossings across the state. The Complete Street Policy is meant to ensure MDOT’s multi-billion-dollar capital program funds a transportation system that provides safety, accessibility, and sustainability for all Marylanders, regardless of their mode of transportation.
The grant awards also support Maryland’s sustainability and highway safety goals. In July, MDOT announced $11.2 million of federal funding for local governments through the Carbon Reduction Program, which funds projects designed to reduce transportation emissions.
To see a list of grant-funded projects for each program, click on the following links:
- MDOT Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program
- Recreational Trails Program
- Transportation Alternatives Program
