Bicycle and Pedestrian Accessibility Funds
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) administers Maryland State accessibility funds 33, 79 and 88. These funds address pedestrian and bicyclist safety, connectivity between modes of transportation and the increasing demand for sidewalks and pedestrian paths.
Fund 33: Sidewalk Reconstruction for Pedestrian Access
This fund upgrades existing pedestrian facilities along state highways to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines and the MDOT SHA Accessibility Policy & Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities along State highways. The scope includes upgrading existing non-compliant sidewalk to ADA compliance and connecting short gaps between existing sidewalks. The narrow scope allows us to keep design costs to a minimum and focus on bringing projects to construction.
Requirements
- Projects must be at locations where no other roadway project is currently planned.
- Project must be along a state highway.
- Project must be within a half mile of transit, government and public facilities.
Funding Details
- Projects are not limited to
Priority Funding Areas.
- Projects do not require any funding participation from the local jurisdiction.
Next Steps
Submit a request
here or contact Sean Campion, MDOT SHA Innovative Contracting, 410-545-8863.
Fund 79: New Sidewalk Construction for Pedestrian Access
This fund serves current and future demand for sidewalks, enhances network connectivity and addresses existing safety issues by providing ADA-accessible facilities. The scope includes, but is not limited to, constructing new sidewalk where none exists. The broad scope allows us to work with local jurisdictions and fit the design to their needs.
Requirements
The following requirements are established by the
Annotated Code of Maryland – Transportation § 8-630:
- Projects must be at locations where no other roadway project is currently planned.
- Projects must be along an urban highway.
- Projects must be requested by the local jurisdiction where the sidewalk would be located.
- The local jurisdiction must agree to the following:
- To fund or secure all right-of-way outside of SHA right-of-way.
- To provide opportunities for public involvement prior to construction.
- To maintain the sidewalk after construction is complete.
Funding Details
- Construction of projects not located within a
Priority Funding Area should be funded equally by MDOT SHA and the local jurisdiction.
- Construction of projects located within a Priority Funding Area should be funded by MDOT SHA (75 percent)and the local jurisdiction (25 percent).
- If a sidewalk is located in a “Sustainable Community” per Housing and Community Development Article §6-301, construction may be funded entirely by MDOT SHA.
- Sidewalk construction will be approved as a system preservation project and may be completely funded by MDOT SHA if:
- The sidewalk is located in a Priority Funding Area.
- A substantial public safety risk or significant impediment to pedestrian access exists, and
- The adjoining roadway is not under construction or reconstruction.
Next Steps
Check your local master plan and
county priority letter to see if your requested sidewalk site is included. These documents inform MDOT SHA of the local jurisdiction’s priorities. Gather community support and reach out to your local jurisdiction and representatives so that they may put in a request with MDOT SHA.
You may also submit a request
here or contact Sean Campion, MDOT SHA Innovative Contracting, 410-545-8863.
Fund 88: Bicycle Retrofit
This fund upgrades Maryland highway facilities to accommodate bicycles by serving future rider demand, enhancing network connectivity and addressing existing safety issues. The scope includes, but is not limited to, constructing on-road facilities (marked bicycle lanes or marked shared-use lanes) or off-road facilities, such as shared-use paths. The broad scope allows us to work with local jurisdictions and fit the design to their needs.
Requirements
- Projects must be at locations where no other roadway project is currently planned.
- Projects for off-road improvements are subject to the same requirements as Fund 79.
Funding Details
- Projects for on-road improvements do not require funding from the local jurisdiction.
- Projects for off-road improvements are subject to the same funding options as Fund 79.
Next Steps
For on-road bicycle facilities, submit a request
here or contact
Sean Campion, MDOT SHA Innovative Contracting, 410-545-8863.
For off-road bicycle facilities, check your local master plan and
county priority letter to see if your requested bicycle facility site is included. These documents inform MDOT SHA of the local jurisdiction’s priorities. Gather community support and reach out to your local jurisdiction and/or representatives so that they may put in the request with MDOT SHA.