ARBUTUS, Md. (October 20, 2014) -- Delivering on their commitment to upgrade aging infrastructure, enhance traffic safety and meet the transportation needs of communities across the State, Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown today announced the start of work to replace two aging bridges along the Inner Loop of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) over Benson Avenue and Leeds Avenue/US 1/Amtrak in Arbutus. 

 

The project also includes improving access to the Inner Loop by realigning the ramp to I-695 from the current location at Leeds Avenue to a new location along US 1 (Southwestern Boulevard).  The $56.7 million project was made possible thanks to funding from the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013 and federal funding.  To celebrate the start of work, Transportation Secretary James T. Smith, Jr., State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters and State and local elected officials and community representatives participated in a groundbreaking ceremony along US 1 (Southwestern Boulevard) under the heavily-travelled section of I-695 today.

 

“Thanks to the passage of the Transportation Act, Marylanders are working to help us build a 21st Century transportation network that keeps motorists and our economy moving forward,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Together, with communities like Arbutus, we’ll continue to create jobs upgrading our roads and bridges, while improving traffic safety for Maryland families.”

 “With this investment in the Baltimore Beltway, we are creating jobs, laying the foundation for continued economic growth, and improving the safety of a roadway used by over 200,000 motorists every day,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “Building a modern transportation network across our state is critical to our efforts to expand opportunity for Maryland families and ensure our businesses remain competitive.”

 

The two bridges along the Inner Loop of I-695 that will be replaced were built in 1957 as part of the original construction of the Baltimore Beltway.  Both bridges are nearing the end of their service life.  The new structures will carry the same number of through lanes along the Inner Loop, though they will be wide enough to accommodate future widening of I-695.  Additionally, the current access onto the Inner Loop of I-695 from Leeds Avenue will be relocated to US 1.  This realigned ramp will provide a direct connection from US 1 to the Inner Loop of I-695 while reducing traffic along neighborhood streets in Arbutus.   Currently, more than 202,000 vehicles travel along both directions of I-695 in this area with traffic projected to increase to nearly 250,000 vehicles daily by 2030. 

 

“A reliable and well maintained infrastructure is vital to creating jobs today in construction and jobs tomorrow through economic growth,” said U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which puts funds in the federal checkbook for transportation projects. “Modernizing and improving the Baltimore Beltway with the replacement of these two bridges is good news for beltway commuters that will bring needed relief to Maryland families, businesses and communities. I will continue to fight for smart funding through federal investments in Maryland’s highways and byways, ports and bridges.”

“Marylanders currently waste too much time, money and gas in gridlock. It’s why these robust investments that make our bridges and roads safer are so important to our communities,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “The federal government has been such a strong partner throughout Maryland to modernize and improve the safety of our transportation choices. This is great news for individuals, businesses and our economy.”

“The significant upgrades being made on the Baltimore Beltway are critical to improving safety on the highway and accommodating projected increases in daily traffic volumes,” said Maryland’s 7th Congressional District Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.).  “These projects are the direct result of Maryland’s decision to expand investments in transportation infrastructure and I applaud the leadership of Governor O’Malley and Lt. Gov. Brown who have worked tirelessly to ensure our state’s transportation infrastructure can meet our future mobility needs.”

“Investing in Maryland’s transportation infrastructure is crucial if we want to reduce highway congestion, enhance traffic safety, improve our state’s economy and make life better for all Marylanders,” said Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.). “This project will provide a much-needed upgrade for the hundreds of thousands of Marylanders who count on I-695 as their main artery to work, school and recreation.”

“Replacing these aging bridges and improving safety for residents in Arbutus invests not only in today but for many years to come,” said District 12A Senator Edward Kasemeyer.  “I am very pleased to see this project move forward and to the new improved access to the Inner Loop of I-695.”

Work will begin late fall/early winter and is scheduled to be complete fall 2017, weather permitting.  The $56.7 million project includes $44.8 million in federal funding and $11.86 million in state funding.  See attached project fact sheet for more details on the project.

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes.  Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don’t follow too closely.  Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For Everyone!