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Updates Are in the Works on MDOT Freight, Rail Plans
MDOT is updating the Maryland State Freight Plan and the Maryland State Rail Plan, and has published both draft plans online. Both plans are critical to supporting federal, state, and private investment in Maryland’s rail and freight network.
The Maryland State Freight Plan examines existing and projected freight and supply chain conditions, and identifies statewide freight policies, strategies, and projects to improve freight movement efficiency and safety. The Maryland State Rail Plan outlines public and private investments and policies to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable movement of goods by rail. MDOT is seeking public comment on both plans during the outreach period, then will submit the plans to the required federal agencies for review and approval.
Freight movement is critical to the local, state, and federal economy, and ensures consumers can receive goods and services they need in a timely manner. The Federal Highway Administration oversees state freight plans, which are required to be updated every four years. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 also requires certain new elements for freight plans, including assessments of e-commerce, freight, supply chain flows, and truck parking.
State rail plans, which also must be updated every four years, are required by the federal Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA) of 2008 and the Fixing
America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) of 2015. Beyond the federal requirements, the Maryland State Rail Plan’s comprehensive list of rail projects enables MDOT to work strategically with private railroads and other stakeholders to address rail needs and offer support where possible.
Highlights in the Rail Plan related to the WILMAPCO region include the study of a future passenger rail connection from MARC to SEPTA and Northeast Corridor rail projects in support of commuter rail, Amtrak, and freight movement.
Highlights in the Freight Plan related to the WILMAPCO region include freight bottleneck assessments and freight-related land use along I-95 and the discussion of movement of freight via waterway to and from the Ports of Baltimore and Wilmington, and through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.
The Draft Maryland State Freight
Plan can be viewed at www.mdot. maryland.gov/OPCP/MD_Freight_ Plan_Draft_Web.pdf. To submit comments about the freight plan, email MDStateFreightPlan@mdot. maryland.gov. The Draft Maryland State Rail Plan can be viewed at mdot.maryland.gov/OPCP/MD_ State_Rail_Plan_Draft_Web.pdf. To submit comments about the rail plan, email MDStateRailPlan@ mdot.maryland.gov.
Final versions of both plans are expected to become available online later this year, once approved by the governing federal agency.
For additional details and projected schedules for both plans, visit the Maryland State Freight Plan webpage at www.mdot.maryland. gov/freightplan and the Maryland State Rail Plan webpage at www. mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/ Index.aspx?PageId=151. For more information or to provide input, contact JT Thomas at JThomas33@mdot.mayland.gov.
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