Joseph McAndrew

This report details the activities, recommendations, and proceedings of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Reconstruction Advisory Group for the 2025-2026 term. Key discussion topics included the ongoing Tier 2 NEPA study for the Bay Crossing, traffic management strategies such as ramp closures and lane use control enforcement, and the implementation of truck restrictions. The document consolidates meeting minutes and updates regarding bridge maintenance, construction projects, and responses to community concerns, including infrastructure impacts and potential new bridge configurations. Legislative reporting requirements were fulfilled through detailed updates on agency coordination and public outreach efforts conducted throughout the term.

The Maryland Department of Transportation's Environmental Justice Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for advancing environmental justice by promoting outcome-based and community-uplifting projects, fostering meaningful engagement with diverse communities, delivering environmentally responsible solutions, and leveraging resources to improve environmental health outcomes. The plan, which includes short, medium, and long-term objectives, will be regularly updated to ensure equitable and inclusive transportation solutions across all stakeholders and communities.

This strategic plan outlines the Maryland Department of Transportation's commitment to ensuring the equitable development and inclusive delivery of public transportation products, services, and solutions to all stakeholders. It focuses on four core goals: promoting outcome-based and community-uplifting projects, fostering meaningful engagement with diverse communities, delivering environmentally responsible projects by considering total costs and long-term benefits, and identifying resources to improve environmental health outcomes, particularly for overburdened communities. The plan aims to achieve these through short-term, medium-term, and long-term initiatives.

The Committee meeting focused on a Montgomery County Department of Transportation Vision Zero presentation, covering roadway safety action plans, high injury network studies, traffic signal installations, and various infrastructure projects. Additional discussions included updates on statewide pedestrian and bicyclist safety initiatives, an overview of sustainable growth and planning principles, a legislative report on vulnerable road user safety bills, and updates from the committee's various subcommittees and state agencies regarding trail development, upcoming safety campaigns, and grant opportunities.

The committee convened to review and finalize comments regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study. Members coordinated on drafting the content, incorporated final typographical and grammatical edits, and officially voted to approve the submission of these comments to the Maryland Transportation Authority. The committee also acknowledged contributions from various members and agency representatives prior to adjourning.