Maryland Drivers Face Increasing Traffic Congestion, Extra Vehicle Operating Expenses as Result of Driving on Roads in Poor Condition 4/1/2004
From: Frank Moretti, 202-262-0714 (cell), or Paul Haaland, 202-466-6706, both of The Road Information Program (TRIP) BALTIMORE, April 1 -- More than half -- 57 percent of Maryland's urban freeways are congested and approximately one-in five (21 percent) of Maryland's major roads have pavements in poor condition, costing the average Maryland motorist $367 annually in extra vehicle operating costs. And without a substantial increase in transportation funding, Maryland's motorists and businesses will face greater levels of traffic congestion and worsening road and bridge conditions, according to a new report released today by a national nonprofit transportation research group. According to The Road Information Program (TRIP) report, "Maryland's Roads and Bridges: A report on the conditions, congestion and safety on the state's roadway system," the state faces a $7.3 billion shortfall from 2003 to 2010 in needed highway, road and bridge funding. "Without an increase in road, highway and bridge investment, Maryland will not be able to move forward with numerous projects to expand key highways and repair bottlenecks to reduce traffic congestion and attract economic development," said William M. Wilkins, TRIP's executive director. The TRIP report also found that population growth and increased vehicle travel have resulted in rising levels of highway congestion in the state's urban areas. Fifty-seven percent of Maryland's urban highways were congested in 2002, carrying traffic volumes that resulted in significant rush hour delays. Urban traffic congestion has increased significantly since 1995, when 34 percent of the state's urban highways were considered congested. Commute times in Maryland have increased, primarily as a result of increased traffic congestion. The average daily one-way commute increased from 27 minutes in 1990 to 31.2 minutes in 2000. As a result, the typical commuter in Maryland now spends an average of 35 more hours a year in traffic during the heavy volume commute hours -- the equivalent of four and a half working days -- than he or she did 10 years ago. "The TRIP report highlights the economic benefits of creating an efficient, well-maintained and adequately funded transportation system," said Kathy Snyder, president and CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. "An increase in transportation funding is good for public safety, it's good for the economy, and it's good for the quality of life in Maryland." Additional findings of the TRIP report: -- Some of the needed highway improvements in Maryland that are currently unfunded, but could proceed with additional state funding include the widening of portions of Interstate 695 in Baltimore county, and improvements to US 29 and MD 97 in Montgomery County. -- Vehicle miles of travel in Maryland has increased by 32 percent between 1990 and 2002 and is projected to increase by another 45 percent by the year 2020. -- If transportation funding remains at its current level, the Maryland State Highway Administration will invest almost exclusively in projects to preserve the state's existing transportation system, with very few projects funded to increase the capacity of the state's highway system. -- Based on current funding projections, Maryland state investment in highway expansion is expected to decrease by 82 percent and state investment in road, highway and bridge preservation is expected to decrease by 27 percent. This funding comparison is based on comparing state highway investment levels during the 2001 to 2003 period with projected investment levels for the 2006 to 2008 period. ------ Editor's Note: This report contains a list of key road and highway improvement projects in Maryland that cannot proceed because they lack adequate funding. |