The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is pleased to present the first ever Maryland Statewide Freight Plan, a comprehensive and multi-modal analysis of the freight network, project opportunities and policy options for the State. Maryland is at the crossroads of some of the nation’s most significant freight corridors while poised along active marine highways. The Port of Baltimore’s advantage is being the closest Atlantic port to major Midwestern population and manufacturing centers. The multi-modal nature of Maryland’s freight network, coupled with an international airport classified as an all-cargo airport by the Federal Aviation Administration, makes the freight network as not only critical to Maryland’s economy, but to the entire northeast region and beyond. The Statewide Freight Plan was several years in the making. It began with an in-depth commodity flow study to carefully understand the movements of freight in, out, through and within Maryland and reached beyond borders recognizing how Maryland aligns with neighboring states and the region. The commodity data and analyses on congestion, environmental issues, land uses and safety helped provide a strong picture of Maryland’s current conditions and needs in terms of projects and policies. To ensure the plan was relevant and accurate, MDOT reached out to local governments, citizens, and non-profits for input at the outset and final draft stages of the plan. Project ideas and policy needs expressed during outreach sessions fed the plan, and most notably, two advisory committees for freight were implemented: an Interagency Advisory Committee of MDOT’s modes and other state agencies and a Freight Stakeholder Advisory Committee (FSAC) of industry leaders including representatives from the Class I railroads, as well as shippers and logistics companies. The plan highlights both prioritized projects and policy initiatives for Maryland to consider in preserving and strengthening its freight network. Through the outreach and drafting of the plan, we are excited and optimistic about freight opportunities. Maryland is one of the first states in the nation to consider freight and Smart Growth/land use as part of a freight plan. We are proud of this fact as connecting land use and transportation in a “Smart, Green and Growing Way” is one of Governor O’Malley and MDOT’s priorities. We hope to utilize additional outreach opportunities to work with local governments and industries for freight and land use planning that makes the best use of the freight network and leads to a preserved and improved environment, as well as a stronger economy.
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MDOT embraces the vision of high speed rail and seeks to promote opportunities along the Northeast Corridor to advance rail projects that help build capacity and increase speed. MDOT and the Maryland Transit Administration participate in a number of regional and national planning efforts for rail infrastructure. High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program MDOT submitted seven applications for the Track 1 HSIPR Program. Descriptions of the projects are available here: Rail Resources Maryland is in the process of developing a PRIIA compliant Statewide Rail Plan. When a draft is available, it will be uploaded on this site for review and comment.
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