Maryland’s Final FY 2023-2028 Consolidated Transportation Program recently awarded the I-81 Phase 2 project in Washington County a $100 million grant to advance construction.
“Improvements to I-81 are vital to prepare Maryland for the growth we know is coming to the logistics and supply chain network from good-paying jobs in Baltimore City at Maryland’s Port of Baltimore to jobs in Western Maryland at growing logistic centers,” Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. said.
The project is expected to improve safety and traffic operations along four miles of I-81 between MD 63 and MD 68 and the CSX bridges north of Halfway Boulevard, ease congestion, and support economic and job growth.
Work will include widening the interstate from four to six lanes and installing two electric vehicle charging stations.
The project complements the ongoing Howard Street Tunnel expansion project in Baltimore.
The U.S. Department of Transportation did not select the project for federal assistance through the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program. Following the announcement, Gov. Larry Hogan directed Maryland Department of Transportation officials to develop alternatives to advance the project.
The state has funded the design and engineering for I-81 Phase 2.
I-81 Phase 1 improved the highway from West Virginia to MD 63/MD 68.