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Posted by: Tamory Winfield
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2013 Contact: John Sales 410-537-1017 BRIDGE DECK PROJECT UNDERWAY ON RAMP FROM NORTHBOUND I-97 TO NORTHBOUND I-895 Ramp closed 24/7 for three months  BALTIMORE, MD - The MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) announces a $3.3 million bridge deck overlay and repair project for the ramp from northbound I-97 to northbound I-895 in Anne Arundel County. This preservation project, funded completely by toll revenue, is part of the MDTA's commitment to preserving and maintaining the State's aging toll bridges, tunnels and highways. Beginning on or about Sunday, May 12, the ramp from northbound I-97 to northbound I-895 will be continuously closed (24/7) for approximately three months. The detour route will direct motorists to westbound I-695 (Inner Loop), to northbound MD 295, to northbound I-895. The ramp from MD 2 (Ritchie Highway) to northbound I-895 will remain open during the three-month closure period. Single-lane and shoulder closures may be in effect on I-895 during off-peak hours. Although the I-895 ramp will be closed for three months, the total project is expected to last until early 2014. The Marksmen Company of Baltimore will remove the existing concrete deck surface and replace it with a latex modified concrete overlay. Work also includes drainage improvements and miscellaneous structural repairs. The Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Thruway (I-895) and I-97 and its approach roadways and ramps were opened in 1957 and 1993, respectively. A cleaning and painting project for various bridges along I-895 is expected to be complete this fall. A deck replacement project for the I-895 bridges over Patapsco Avenue, Potee Street and Hanover Street in Baltimore City is expected to be complete by summer 2014. Portable and overhead electronic message signs will display travel information. For information on the MDTA's other facility preservation projects, or to view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov. For statewide travel conditions, visit MD511.org or call 511. Follow the MDTA at twitter.com/TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA. The MDTA thanks its customers for their patience and reminds them to Stay Alert So No One Gets Hurt!! ###
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Posted by: Tamory Winfield
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25, 2013 Contact: John Sales 410-537-1017 BRIDGE DECK PROJECT BEGINS ON JFK HIGHWAY (I-95) OVERPASSES BALTIMORE, MD – The MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) announces a $1.7 million bridge deck overlay and repair project for the Bouchelle Road and MD 213 (Singerly Road) bridges over I-95 in Cecil County, Md. This preservation project, funded completely by toll revenue, is part of the MDTA’s commitment to preserving and maintaining the State’s aging toll bridges, tunnels and highways. Beginning on or about April 29, the Bouchelle Road bridge over I-95 will be continuously closed (24/7) for approximately 45 days. From the north, the detour route will direct motorists to Warburton Road, to MD 272 (North East Road), to US 40 (Pulaski Highway), to Mechanics Valley Road, to Bouchelle Road. From the south, the detour route will direct motorists to Mechanics Valley Road, to US 40, to MD 272, to Warburton Road, to Bouchelle Road. Also beginning on or about April 29, the MD 213 bridge over I-95 will be reduced from two lanes to one for approximately 60 days. Temporary traffic signals on each end of the bridge will alternate traffic across the bridge. Construction is expected to last approximately 2.5 months. Eastern Highway Specialists, Inc., of Wilmington, Del. will remove the existing concrete deck surface on both bridges and replace it with a latex modified concrete overlay. Work also includes miscellaneous repairs to the bridges’ concrete substructures. Single and double-lane closures may be in effect on I-95 during off-peak hours. The Kennedy Highway and its approach roadways and ramps were opened in 1963. A resurfacing project on northbound and southbound I-95 in Baltimore and Harford counties began this spring. A foundation and substructure repair project is ongoing on the Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge (I-95). Portable and overhead electronic message signs will display travel information. For information on the MDTA’s other facility preservation projects, or to view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov. For statewide travel conditions, visit MD511.org or call 511. Follow the MDTA at twitter.com/TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA. The MDTA thanks its customers for their patience and reminds them to Stay Alert So No One Gets Hurt!! ###
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Posted by: Eric Willison
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2013 Contact: John Sales 410-537-1017 SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS ADDED TO BAY BRIDGE STARTING THIS WEEKEND
Result of safety study completed in 2012; NO LANECHANGES between center and left lanes on westbound span  BALTIMORE, MD – The MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) will install new lane markings, rumble strips and signs on the westbound Bay Bridge (US 50/301) to enhance safety measures during “two-way” traffic operations, based on a safety study MDTA completed last year. Weather-permitting, crews will remove and replace the rumble strips and pavement markings and add new signs starting Friday, April 19.
“The MDTA is continuously looking to improve safety at all of its facilities and to build on existing safety measures at the Bay Bridge,” said MDTA Executive Secretary Harold M. Bartlett. “These enhancements will provide additional visual and physical guides designed to help drivers stay alert and stay in their lanes during two-way operations.” During periods of heavy eastbound traffic, the MDTA implements two-way traffic operations by “reversing” the left lane of the westbound span for use by eastbound motorists. Crews will create a painted buffer between the westbound left lane and center lane using continuous double yellow lines, rumble strips and a solid white line along the 4.3-mile span. The change will be gradual as crews first remove the existing rumble strips and pavement markings starting Friday, April 19. Crews will then install the new lane markings and rumble strips. The work is expected to last about one week and will be performed overnight and weather-permitting. For this work, the westbound span may be closed Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following morning, Sunday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning and Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning. Two-way traffic will operate on the eastbound span during the full westbound span closures. “Westbound motorists will need to adjust to the new pavement markings, which will prohibit changing lanes between the left and center lanes for the entire trip across the bridge, whether or not two-way operations are in effect,” said MDTA Police Chief Colonel Michael Kundrat. “New signs reminding motorists to stay in their lane will also be installed as part of this effort.” At the end of 2012, the MDTA announced its completion of an evaluation of additional safety measures that may be implemented at the Bay Bridge during two-way traffic. The study concluded that double solid lines would create a buffer space between lanes while discouraging motorists from changing or crossing lanes. Rumble strips, which were installed along portions of the bridge in 2008 and are proven effective in discouraging lane changes, would be installed along the entire span. The MDTA will monitor the performance of these improvements and consider if they would be applicable to the eastbound span, where two-way traffic may be used to accommodate full westbound span closures for maintenance/construction. Several improvements have been made over the past decade to improve safety on the Bay Bridge. These include the installation of rumble strips along portions of the bridge and enhancements to the lane markings, lane-control system, signing and the procedures used by police and operations personnel for reversing the direction of travel on the bridge. ###
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Posted by: Tamory Winfield
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Cheryl Sparks or Kelly Melhem 410-537-1017 MDTA EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO RETIRE BALTIMORE, MD (April 11, 2013) - MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) Executive Secretary Harold M. Bartlett has announced that he will retire effective May 1, 2013. Mr. Bartlett served in this position on two occasions beginning in August 2010 and was responsible for the overall management of the MDTA's operations and its 1,700 employees, including the nationally accredited MDTA Police. "When I came out of retirement to re-join the MDTA in September 2011, I had two principle objectives: initiating the redevelopment of the Maryland House and Chesapeake House travel plazas and getting important toll citation legislation passed in the Maryland General Assembly," said Mr. Bartlett. "We have accomplished both of these goals, and I am leaving the MDTA knowing that the agency is moving forward in a positive direction." "Harold's years of experience and solid understanding of transportation issues facing the State made him an invaluable asset to the MDTA," said Acting Transportation Secretary and MDTA Acting Chairman Darrell B. Mobley. "I'd like to thank Harold for his exceptional service. He will be greatly missed." Mr. Bartlett praised the MDTA staff and Board Members for their strong work ethic. "The most difficult part of announcing my retirement is the fact that I will be leaving such a wonderful staff and Board. I truly have loved working with everyone at the MDTA," Mr. Bartlett said. "They are dedicated people, who do good things for Maryland and our customers every day. It will be difficult to leave my friends and colleagues behind, but I know this is the right decision at the right time. Besides, I still have some more things to cross off my bucket list!" Prior to joining the MDTA, Mr. Bartlett served as Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation and as Deputy Executive Secretary of the MDTA. He also served as the Secretary and Chief of Staff for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) from March 1997 to March 2006 and served 23 years in diverse executive-level management positions at WMATA. # # #
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Posted by: Tamory Winfield
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2013 Contact: John Sales 410-537-1017 Facility: (US 301) Nice Memorial Bridge CLEANING & PAINTING PROJECT BEGINS ON NICE BRIDGE Overnight Flagging Operations Start On Or About April 15 BALTIMORE, MD – The MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) announces a $13.7 million cleaning, painting and repair project for the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US 301), which connects Charles County, Md., and King George County, Va., across the Potomac River. This preservation project, funded completely by toll revenue, is part of the MDTA’s commitment to preserving and maintaining the State’s aging toll bridges, tunnels and highways. Beginning on or about April 15, the Nice Bridge will be reduced to one lane with flagging operations alternating northbound and southbound traffic during the following overnight off-peak hours: Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following morning and Friday from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Daytime flagging operations are now taking place at the Nice Bridge for annual inspections. Once inspections are complete, daytime flagging operations will begin for this project during the following off-peak hours: Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trucks greater than 10-feet wide will not be permitted to cross the bridge during flagging operations. Every effort will be made to cross all vehicles exceeding 10-feet from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Drivers of vehicles exceeding the width restriction must call 301-259-4444 to obtain approval and schedule an escort. Calls must be made one hour prior to arrival at the bridge and will only be accepted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Construction is expected to last approximately two years. Blastech Enterprises, Inc., of Baltimore will clean/paint and repair portions of the existing structural steel. Work also includes repairing and sealing the concrete bridge deck and replacing the catwalk and ladder system under the bridge’s main span. Portable and overhead electronic message signs will display travel information. For information on the MDTA’s other facility preservation projects, or to view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov. For statewide travel conditions, visit MD511.ORG or call 511. Follow the MDTA at twitter.com/TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA. The MDTA thanks its customers for their patience and reminds them to Stay Alert So No One Gets Hurt!! ###
Posted by: Tamory Winfield
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 28, 2013 CONTACT: Cheryl Sparks 410-537-1017 GOVERNOR O'MALLEY APPOINTS NEW MEMBER TO MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BALTIMORE, MD - Governor Martin OMalley has appointed William K. "Bill" Hellmann of Severna Park to serve as the newest Board Member of the MD Transportation Authority (MDTA). A 47-year veteran of the transportation industry, Mr. Hellmann is a former Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (April 1984 April 1987) and Partner Emeritus of RK&K, LLP, a Baltimore-based engineering firm. Previously, Mr. Hellmann also served as Chief of the Interstate Division for Baltimore City. "The MDTA is responsible for some of the State's most vital transportation projects, including the extensive work to preserve our tunnels, bridges and highways," said Governor OMalley. "Mr. Hellmann's significant expertise and transportation knowledge will contribute greatly to the MDTA and to our investment in Maryland's future." Mr. Hellmann is a Professional Engineer and holds a bachelor's in civil engineering from the University of Maryland. He also has served on numerous State boards and committees, including the Maryland Stadium Authority, Transportation Review Committee, Task Force on Privatization, Land Use/Economic Development Subcommittee of Maryland's Growth Commission, Commission on Transportation Investment, Transit Policy Panel, Transportation Opportunities Committee and the Transportation Funding Task Force. "Mr. Hellmann's extensive engineering and public service experience will help keep the MDTA on solid ground during this critical time for our State's transportation network," said Acting MDTA Chairman and Transportation Secretary Darrell B. Mobley. Mr. Hellmann has begun serving his term after being officially sworn in by the clerk of the court in Annapolis on March 27. "I look forward to working with the other Members and the Executive Secretary of the MDTA in moving the agency forward," said Hellmann. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is an independent State agency that finances, owns and operates the States toll facilities. The MDTAs Board Members, appointed by the Governor with consent of the State Senate, serve as the agencys policy-setting and governing body. Maryland's Secretary of Transportation serves as MDTA Chairman. ###
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Posted by: Tamory Winfield
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 2013 Contact: Cheryl M. Sparks or John Sales 410-537-1017 ICC SPEED LIMIT INCREASES TO 60 MPH  Changes will occur gradually between March 29-30 BALTIMORE, MD The MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) will begin changing roadway signs to officially increase the posted speed limit on the Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 from 55 mph to 60 mph. Weather-permitting, on Friday, March 29, signs on westbound MD 200 will be changed to 60 mph; on Saturday, March 30, the eastbound MD 200 signs will be changed to 60 mph. New warning signs for curves have also been added. "Following months of careful deliberation and a detailed engineering study and crash analysis, I'm pleased that we are able to safely raise the ICC speed limit to 60 mph," said MDTA Executive Secretary Harold M. Bartlett. "We needed one year of ICC operations and full consideration of the design speed and geometry of the roadway to ensure that a 60 mph speed limit is safe and justifiable." With the crash analysis, traffic engineers examined vehicular crashes for the ICCs first year of operations between I-270 and I-95. The analysis helped the MDTA confirm that the speed limit may be safely raised to 60 mph. The MDTA anticipates that drivers traveling the ICC from end to end may save approximately 1 ½ minutes of travel time with the speed increase. Designed for 60 mph, the ICC has vertical and horizontal constraints along its length. To reduce environmental impacts, the ICCs footprint was minimized, leading to these geometric constraints and the lower design speed. The engineering study and crash analysis are available at mdta.maryland.gov. Follow the MDTA at twitter.com/TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA.
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Posted by: Tamory Winfield
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 27, 2013 Contact: Cheryl M. Sparks 410-537-1017 MDTA NAMES CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER BALTIMORE, MD The MD Transportation Authority (MDTA), which finances, owns and operates the States eight toll facilities, has named Percy Dangerfield as Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Dangerfield previously served as Chief of Staff for the Department of Port Control in Cleveland, Ohio, where he oversaw the agency and its $154 million operating budget, $233 million capital budget and more than 500 employees. He also supervised leadership team members responsible for operations, information technology, procurement, marketing, finance, planning and engineering, among others. Prior to his work in Cleveland, Mr. Dangerfield served as Manager of the Business and Economic Division and as Assistant Chief of Diversity and Special Initiatives for the Maryland State Highway Administration. The administrative support function at MDTA is a complex and challenging responsibility. Mr. Dangerfield brings a wealth of solid knowledge and experience in the planning, execution and improvement of administrative processes, said Executive Secretary Harold M. Bartlett. As the MDTAs Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Dangerfield will direct the agencys administrative functions, including information technology, procurement, inventory control and human resources and workforce development. Mr. Dangerfield completed his undergraduate work and earned a masters degree in business administration from Frostburg State University. He is a member of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, the American Association of Airport Executives and the Airport Minority Advisory Council. ###
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Posted by: MDTA PIO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2013 Contact: Cheryl Sparks 410-537-1017 MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY READIES FOR WINTER STORMFollow the MDTA on Facebook, Twitter & 1-877-BAYSPAN for Updates BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), the agency that finances, owns, operates and maintains the State's eight toll facilities, is preparing for the winter storm predicted to start this evening and continue through tomorrow. Crews are on hand in anticipation of the storm. The MDTA, whose facilities include four bridges, two tunnels, two turnpikes and their approach roadways, will tackle tomorrow’s storm with maximum resources. The agency has 258 pieces of equipment and over 36,000 tons of salt available to handle its over xxx highway miles. Maryland Transportation Authority Police will be fully staffed at all detachments and will increase the use of four wheel drive vehicles to augment their current patrol fleet. As the MDTA prepares for potentially severe weather, it has no immediate plans to close any toll facilities in anticipation of the storm. Any decision to close a toll facility would be based upon current weather and road conditions at a given facility. The MDTA will make every effort to keep all of its facilities open as long as conditions are deemed safe to do so. On all MDTA bridges, wind warnings and restrictions would be implemented as outlined below: · Wind Warning (sustained wind speeds or wind gusts of 30-39 mph) – operators of house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds are advised to use caution while traveling across the bridge. · Wind Restriction I (sustained wind speeds or wind gusts of 40-49 mph) – house trailers, empty box trailers or any vehicle that, in the opinion of law-enforcement personnel, may not safely cross the bridge will be prohibited from traveling the bridge. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around. · Wind Restriction II (sustained wind speeds or wind gusts exceeding 50 mph) – only automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy-laden tractor/trailers are permitted to cross the bridge. Tractor-box trailer combinations will not be permitted to cross any bridge if the gross weight is less than 64,000 pounds. · Traffic Holds/Bridge Closure (sustained wind speeds or wind gusts exceeding 55 mph) – In the event of a sudden increase of sustained wind speeds or wind gusts that could jeopardize life or property, the MDTA may elect to discontinue the movement of traffic across the bridge.
The MDTA offers the following tips for its customers if they must travel during the storm: · Reduce speeds on bridges and elevated roadways as they freeze prior to other road surfaces. · Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. · Watch for snow plows and other equipment – do not pass. · Stay Alert So No One Gets Hurt – devote your full attention to driving. · Know before you go: o Follow the MDTA at twitter.com/TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA for the most up-to-date information. o For Bay Bridge traffic conditions 24/7, call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) or visit baybridge.com to view live traffic images and to sign up for email alerts. o For statewide travel conditions, visit MD511.ORG or call 511. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency stresses awareness and preparedness as Hurricane Sandy approaches Maryland. Go to mema.state.md.us for the latest storm track and preparedness information. ###
Posted by: Eric Willison
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1, 2013 Contact: Cheryl M. Sparks 410-537-1017 MICHAEL KUNDRAT NAMED MDTA POLICE CHIEF BALTIMORE, MD - Following a national recruitment, the MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) has named MDTA Police Major Michael Kundrat as its new Chief of Police effective today. Chief Kundrat joined the MDTA Police in March 2007 at the rank of Major and served as Chief of Staff and Patrol Commander before being named Acting Police Chief in August 2011. His State service was preceded by a 26-year career with the Baltimore Police Department. Chief Kundrat was selected following an extensive interview process of highly qualified candidates, said MDTA Board Member and Human Resource Committee Chair Rev. Dr. William C. Calhoun Sr. Chief Kundrat brings to this position a decorated police career of progressive responsibility and leadership, a successful tenure as Acting MDTA Police Chief, a commitment to diversity and a solid strategic vision for the MDTA Police force. Chief Kundrat is a leader and partner of the highest professionalism and integrity. The MDTA received 82 applications in response to the October-November 2012 recruitment. Twenty-nine applicants met the mandatory education and experience requirements, with 12 moving into the interview process. The MDTA Police are a critical element of everything we do at the Authority, and I am confident in Chief Kundrats ability to lead the seventh largest police force in the State, said MDTA Executive Secretary Harold M. Bartlett. Chief Kundrat shares my passion for training, equipping and motivating a top-notch police force. He understands that the MDTA Police not only enforce and protect, but serve Marylands citizens and visitors. Through Chief Kundrats leadership, the MDTA Police became the States first police agency to earn the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) TriArc Award. Only six other police agencies nationwide have received this prestigious award. Being named MDTA Police Chief is an honor for me and my family. I have been entrusted with significant responsibility and vow to be a role model for my command staff and officers as we uphold the laws of our State and serve our fellow citizens, said Chief Kundrat. After growing up in Westminster, Md., Chief Kundrat joined the Baltimore Police Department in 1980. He began his career as a patrol officer in the Northeast District and went on to become a supervisor and commander in the Patrol Division, the Tactical Section (SWAT) and the Criminal Intelligence Section. He was serving as Commander of the Southeast District when he retired. Chief Kundrat has received numerous awards during his career, including the Silver Star and Bronze Star from the Baltimore Police. Chief Kundrat lives in Harford County with his wife of 28 years. They have three sons.
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