Hanover, Md. – The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced a $11.3 million grant package to support 24 bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects throughout Maryland. The funding, slated for the FY 2027 budget, blends $9.3 million in federal dollars with $2 million from the state’s MDOT Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program.
Federal and state dollars target different needs
Through the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Recreational Trails Program, the $9.3 million in federal assistance will be directed to 12 projects that focus on infrastructure upgrades, trail repairs, and new path construction. The remaining $2 million, sourced from the state’s Bikeways Network Program, will support another 12 projects, including design work and construction that connect schools, parks and historic main streets.
Key projects across the region
MDOT Secretary Katie Thomson highlighted several notable initiatives:
- Design studies in Brunswick, Catonsville, Laurel and North East to link existing paths to schools and community centers.
- Construction in Edmonston and La Plata to fill missing trail gaps and extend a shared‑use path.
- Retrofit projects in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County aimed at improving wayfinding signage and overall safety.
These projects reflect a statewide push to make walking, biking and rolling safer and more accessible for Marylanders of all ages and abilities.
Secretary Thomson’s vision
“Creating new paths and linking others together are key components of Maryland’s transportation future,” Thomson said in a statement. “Investing in active‑transport infrastructure not only promotes healthier lifestyles, it also reduces traffic congestion and supports our environmental stewardship goals.”
Impact on local communities
Local officials and community groups have welcomed the grants, noting that improved active‑transport routes can boost local economies by attracting visitors and supporting small businesses along trail corridors. In Montgomery County, for example, the planned wayfinding upgrades are expected to guide cyclists and pedestrians to nearby retail districts, fostering economic activity.
In Baltimore City, the safety retrofits will address high‑traffic pedestrian crossings, providing clearer signals and better lighting for residents who rely on walking as their primary mode of transportation.
Looking ahead
The MDOT plans to monitor project progress and evaluate outcomes related to safety, usage rates and community satisfaction. Successful implementations could serve as models for additional funding cycles, further expanding Maryland’s network of safe, connected active‑transport routes.
By combining federal assistance with state investment, Maryland demonstrates a collaborative approach to building infrastructure that aligns with family‑friendly, faith‑centered community values and the constitutional right to move freely and safely within one’s own neighborhood.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
