Four firms vying for Maryland highway project

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The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) said four private-sector firms have submitted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to develop I-495 & I-270 P3 Program Phase 1.

Accelerate MarylandExpress Partners, Accelerate Maryland Partners LLC, Capital Express Mobility Partners, and Potomac Mobility Group are teams that submitted RFQs. The Phase 1 Developer would be responsible for designing, building, financing, operating, and maintaining managed lanes in Phase 1.

“As we plan for recovery, these critical infrastructure projects are key to rebuilding our economy and keeping the supply chain moving,” Gov. Larry Hogan said. “It is great to see leading international firms interested in investing in the National Capital Region. Despite navigating the COVID-19 pandemic health crisis, Maryland is still Open for Business.”

It is anticipated MDOT and MDTA will announce a shortlist of the most highly qualified teams next month. Shortlisted teams will be eligible to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP) in early 2021. The agencies plan to select a preferred Phase Developer and recommend a Phase 1 Agreement to the Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) for its review and approval late Spring or early Summer 2021.

“Partnering with the private sector is key to delivering for the businesses and residents of Maryland in the months and years to come,” Transportation Secretary Greg Slater said. “The bottleneck at the American Legion Bridge has been a top regional mobility issue for decades, and this is one step closer to addressing it. This project will create jobs, connect people to employment centers, provide a critical bike and pedestrian connection to the C&O Canal, and expand transit opportunities in collaboration with our local government partners.”