Local Concern Grows Over Maryland's Plans to Widen Interstates

Montgomery County officials are concerned about the details of a massive $9 billion public-private partnership that would widen three highways in Maryland with the support of Governor Larry Hogan.

2 minute read

September 14, 2018, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Interstate 495

sevenMaps7 / Shutterstock

"Montgomery County planning officials have estimated that adding four lanes to the Beltway and Interstate 270—a 'worst-case scenario,' according to one official—could consume 209 acres of land across 26 parks in Montgomery County," reports Bethany Rodgers.

The review was conducted in response to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan's proposal to spend $9 billion "to build two new toll lanes in each direction on the Maryland section of the Beltway and on I-270 from Bethesda to the Interstate 70 juncture. His proposal also calls for expanding the Baltimore-Washington Parkway."

"The current study—whose scope is limited to a piece of Hogan’s plan—evaluates the potential environmental impacts of traffic improvements on the Beltway through Maryland and on I-270 up to Interstate 370. The study from I-370 to the I-70 junction is slated to begin next year," according to Rogers. Right now, Governor Hogan's toll lanes idea is one of 15 possible options for dealing with congestion on the two corridors. Carol Rubin, the special project manager who represents Montgomery Parks and Planning for the I-495/I-270 Managed Lanes Project

The review left Montgomery County planners "frustrated," according to Rodgers. Carol Rubin, the special project manager who represents Montgomery Parks and Planning for the I-495/I-270 Managed Lanes Project, and other county officials have objected to the criteria the state will use to select the final options.

There's a lot more detail to report with regard to the politics of Governor Hogan's highway widening proposals.

Past coverage:

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 in Bethesda Magazine

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18, 2024 - Beverly Press

Street Traffic in Manhattan

New York Congestion Pricing Approved by MTA Board

The program took another step forward as the board approved a proposed pricing scheme, but lawsuits still stand in the way of full implementation.

40 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

White and yellow Metro Transit streetcar in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Video: Making Transit Better

How trackless trams and other innovations can make U.S. transit more efficient.

1 hour ago - CNBC Marathon

Amtrak train passing over tall trestle bridge on California coast at Gaviota Beach.

LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality

A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.

March 27 - SFGate

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.