Informational Public Open House Scheduled for Tuesday, July 31
Baltimore, MD, July 20, 2018 — The Hogan Administration today announced the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is studying a potential interchange at I-95 and Belvidere Road in western Cecil County. The potential enhancements would improve truck access to I-95 and support existing and planned development within the existing Principio Business Park in the near future and in the longer term. The Principio Business Park is projected to generate more than $560 million in revenue for Cecil County during the next 10 years. Cecil County listed the proposed I-95/Belvidere Road interchange as its top transportation priority.
“Maryland is committed to expanding our transportation network to support new jobs and spur economic development in every corner of the state,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This interchange study is another step forward to delivering on that commitment.”
The limits of the study area extend approximately 7.6 miles along I-95, from west of the MD 222 interchange to east of the MD 272 interchange. Along I-95, there are approximately 6.6 miles between the MD 222 interchange and the MD 272 interchange. The Belvidere Road structure over I-95 is approximately 2.5 miles east of the MD 222 interchange and 4.1 miles west of the MD 272 interchange.
“This interchange study will look at how to provide direct access to I-95 for the 2,500 employees and additional commercial trucks generated by future economic activity in the Principio Business Park,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman Pete K. Rahn.
The Belvidere Road and I-95 potential interchange will include a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Public involvement is a significant part of the NEPA process. An informational public open house will be held on Tuesday, July 31, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Cecil College, 1 Seahawk Drive, North East, Maryland 21901.
“The MDTA will be completely transparent during the NEPA process and provide the public many opportunities to review and comment on the study,” said MDTA Executive Director Kevin C. Reigrut.
The NEPA document is expected to be completed in late 2019. The MDTA owns, operates and maintains the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, a 50-mile portion of I-95 from north of Baltimore City to the Delaware state line. The highway opened to traffic in 1963.
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Contact: John Sales