Friends of Harford Perspective
Friends of Harford has many concerns with the toll lanes being proposed. In theory, the decision on whether to add free lanes or toll lanes (or no lanes) has not been made. However, since the project is under management by the organization that manages only toll facilities, guess what will happen. The presentations by this group have not even had a facade of impartiality. Expansion of the interstate will likely result in short term reduction of traffic density, followed by rapid housing expansion and a quick return to the status quo. We believe it is worth waiting until the Section 100 is completed and operating to see if it also solves the Section 200 traffic problem by removing the bottle neck at the intersection of I 95 and I 695. We believe that the only long term solution will be a turn to public transit options for commuters and expanded rail freight to move some truck traffic off the interstate. Hopefully the new reality of high fuel costs, Global Climate Change and the current global recession will provide enough courage for our elected officials to get on with it.
Discussion
The official I 95 Section 200 web site held a public meeting on I-95/MD 152 Park & Ride location, on May 20, 2008 at Joppa Magnolia Fire Hall to discuss
"Why do we need a new Park & Ride lot at I-95 and MD 152? How will the location be determined? Get answers to these and other questions at this important update meeting. Follow progress and contribute your ideas! More... "
We estimate about 130 people attended. It did not go well. Many attendees felt they were not being listened to again.
Friends of Harford has participated in MdTA-sponsored Focus Group meetings, attended MdTA public meetings, and recently held a discussion meeting with the MdTA Section 200 project manager. We have been trying to get our voice heard with limited success. There is a lot going on with this highway expansion, not just this parking lot. You either need to get involved now, or remain quiet after it is done to us.
Go to the official I 95 Section 200 web site and read about the plans for section 200. Download information from the meeting: the briefing charts and maps for the eight location options (including several on wetlands) being considered as replacements for the current park-and-ride commuter lot at Route 152. Note that all visible activity on this site seems to have stopped immediately after the Spring 2008 public meeting above. There was to have been a Fall 2008 project decision.
Published Plans, Reports and Links
- Interstate 95, Section 200 Project. The Section 200 Study Area is located along I-95, from north of MD 43 to north of MD 22. It is located in Baltimore and Harford counties and includes the MD 152, MD 24, MD 543 and MD 22 interchanges. Many project details can be found at this MD state site. Open House meetings were held on Jun 26 and 28, 2007 and again on 13 Dec 07.
- I-95/MD 24 Interchange Improvement Project. This project to fix the traffic flow on Rte 24 at the intersection with I-95 is an independent effort about to start. The solution has impacts through the intersection with Tollgate Rd/ Rte 924.