SUITLAND, MD (July 8, 2013) – Governor Martin O’Malley today was joined by key federal, state and county officials in announcing nearly $650 million in transportation investments for Prince George’s County that will create jobs, reduce traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety.
The projects announced today were made possible with funding from the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013, which allows Maryland to activate long-term strategies to invest in Maryland’s transportation systems. By putting people back to work in the transportation industry with these new investments, Maryland will create hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and provide Marylanders with the transportation infrastructure necessary to grow and prosper for decades to come.
Today’s announcement provides nearly $650 million in key projects for Prince George’s County, including:
- $100 million to construct an interchange on MD 210 (Indian Head Highway) at Kerby Hill-Livingston Road;
- $50 million to improve access to the Branch Avenue Metro Station by constructing a new pedestrian bridge over MD 5 and a new metro access road (Woods Way) with sidewalks from MD 5 to the Branch Avenue Metro Station and by upgrading existing roadways to include additional turn lanes and sidewalks;
- $7 million to design a full interchange, to upgrade the existing partial interchange, on I-95/I-495 at the Greenbelt Metro Station;
- $150 million to construct a new interchange on MD 4 at Suitland Parkway;
- $20 million to purchase right-of-way for a bicycle, pedestrian and safety improvements along US 1 from College Avenue to MD 193 in College Park;
- $280 million to complete right-of-way acquisition and final design for the Maryland National Capital Purple Line; and
- $26 million to construct pedestrian/bicycle safety improvements and enhance community revitalization efforts along State roadways in Prince George’s County, including:
–$9 million to construct improvements along MD 5 (Branch Avenue) and MD 637 (Naylor Road) near the Naylor Road Metro Station (sidewalks, medians, resurfacing, pedestrian lighting and signal upgrades)
–$6 million to construct improvements along MD 201 (Kenilworth) from Kenilworth Tower to MD 410 (sidewalks, bicycle lane, pedestrian improvements); and
–$11 million to construct improvements along MD 500 (Queens Chapel Road) from MD 208 to MD 410 (sidewalks, crosswalks and traffic “calming” upgrades to slow down traffic).
“This past legislative session, we made the better choices to invest in the future of Maryland’s transportation network, allowing us to create more than 57,200 jobs for our hardworking families and rebuild our State’s infrastructure,” said Governor O’Malley. “Today, we are pleased to announce projects in Prince George’s County that will create 4,000 jobs, reduce traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety. Together, we can build the sustainable 21st Century transportation network that a modern economy requires.”
“Prince George’s County neighborhoods will be safer and local businesses will be more convenient, with improved and more efficient infrastructure,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation Infrastructure Subcommittee. “These types of investments continue to pay positive dividends for Maryland communities, helping our economy grow stronger.”
“These public investments create private sector jobs in construction today and prepare Maryland’s infrastructure for the jobs of tomorrow,” said U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski. “These projects are among the most pressing in the region. Maryland can count on me to keep fighting for our state’s fair share of federal formula funding to help pay for improvements to our highways, byways and transit systems.”
“Today, Governor O’Malley announced nearly $650 million in infrastructure projects for Prince George’s County that will create approximately 4,000 jobs and make a significant difference for residents, businesses, and commuters in the Fifth District and the surrounding region,” stated U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer. “By improving our roads, working to expand Metro through the Purple Line, and increasing pedestrian access and safety, we can boost our economic competitiveness and long-term growth in Prince George’s County. I applaud the Governor for moving forward with these crucial projects.”
“Prince George’s County has long needed major infrastructure investments and these projects will finally give us the opportunity to make the most out of the economic development and other opportunities in our County,” said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. “ I look forward to seeing the long-term benefits of these projects for Prince George’s County and our entire state.”
“Our investment in Maryland’s transportation network is an investment in building the State’s economy,” said Speaker Michael E. Busch. “Not only will these investments make our transportation system stronger and more reliable in the short-term, but also make our economy and business community more competitive in the long-term.”
“On behalf of the residents and stakeholders of Prince George’s County, I thank Governor O’Malley for, once again, investing in the future and potential of our County,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. “This generous infusion of funding for our transportation priorities will provide an excellent stimulus towards Prince George’s County becoming the economic engine of the Washington region and the State of Maryland. These infrastructure projects will be the game changers that will create jobs, lead to better transit oriented development, alleviate traffic congestion and improve public safety.”
In addition to announcing these top transportation priorities, the O’Malley-Brown Administration also delivered Charles County’s top priority by providing a $5 million Southern Maryland Transit Study to connect Waldorf to the Branch Avenue Metro Station. This study will look to provide more transportation options to residents commuting to Washington, D.C.
Over the summer months, the State will continue to review project needs and make investment decisions. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s draft six-year transportation budget will be published on September 3rd. This budget, known as the Consolidated Transportation Program, will provide a full list of the new projects funded by the Transportation Act. This budget will be posted on MDOT’s website at www.mdot.maryland.gov.
