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Governor Wes Moore’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 and the Maryland Department of Transportation’s $21.2 billion Final Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for 2025-2030 have reinstated full funding for Phase 2 of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Project in Washington County. This vital infrastructure project will enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and support economic growth in the region.
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The second phase of the project focuses on widening a 3.5-mile segment of I-81 from MD 63/MD 68 to the CSX railroad bridges north of Halfway Boulevard. It will expand the interstate from four to six lanes and include significant upgrades to interchanges, traffic control measures, and stormwater management systems. With $87.5 million in restored funding, the project is set to advance into construction, marking a major step forward in Maryland’s transportation modernization efforts.
This funding allocation is part of MDOT’s broader $21.2 billion transportation capital budget, which strategically targets critical infrastructure needs across Maryland. The plan includes an additional $420 million in state funding for capital projects, bridge repairs, highway safety enhancements, transit system modernization, and support for the Port of Baltimore and local transit systems.
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In addition to I-81 Phase 2, the budget reflects significant investments in light rail improvements, state-of-the-art vehicle acquisitions, and airport safety enhancements. These initiatives align with Governor Moore’s vision of a safer, more equitable, and sustainable transportation system to drive Maryland’s economic growth. The proposed budget and CTP await approval by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2025 legislative session.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors.
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