EASTON, Md. — Maryland transportation officials outlined a $21.5 billion, six-year investment plan Tuesday during meetings with leaders from Caroline, Talbot and Dorchester counties, emphasizing safety upgrades, infrastructure maintenance and economic growth.
Acting Transportation Secretary Samantha J. Biddle said the state’s Draft Consolidated Transportation Program for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 reflects community priorities and supports Maryland’s vision zero safety goal. “The feedback we receive helps us better serve the state and deliver a program that aligns with our shared goals to uplift communities and enhance connections to opportunities,” Biddle said. The plan highlights the state’s “Serious About Safety” initiative, which targets pedestrian and bicyclist protection while reducing roadway fatalities.
State Highway Administrator William Pines detailed ongoing projects, including turn lane and signal upgrades at MD 328 and MD 404 in Caroline County, new traffic signals in Talbot County, and a quick-build Complete Streets project near Warwick Elementary School in Dorchester County.
Local investments include a $4,500 bikeways grant for Easton’s community bike parking program, $640,000 for a runway extension at Easton Airport, $18,000 for obstruction removal at Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport, and nearly $2 million in transit support across Caroline, Talbot, Dorchester and Kent counties. The meetings were part of MDOT’s annual statewide tour to present the draft plan and collect feedback from local officials and residents.
The tour continues through November before the department submits the final fiscal 2026-2031 program to the General Assembly in January. The six-year plan is funded through the state’s Transportation Trust Fund and covers every mode, including aviation, port, highway, motor vehicle, and transit operations, as well as Maryland’s share of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Toll projects are separately funded through toll revenues.
