An independent study by TRIP says Maryland’s transportation system could be its key to recovering from the recession.
TRIP, a nonprofit national transportation research group based in D.C., studied the state and federal data of Maryland’s transportation system and outlined the top 40 projects the group says could make Maryland a great place to visit, live and do business.
The nonprofit group outlined the results of their study in Potomac Wednesday morning. The 40 projects they chose focus on key roads, bridges, highways and transit systems.
They ranked the projects by their economic benefits including job creation, the need for safety improvements and how any improvement would keep Maryland competitive in the long run.
At the top of their list is a $6 billion widening project from the American Legion Bridge to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge that would include the addition of HOV lanes and bridge rehabilitation.
Construction of the Purple Line is also high on TRIP’s list. The new Metro line will span from Bethesda to New Carrollton with an estimated 21 stations by the year 2030 and serving approximately 60,000 passengers a day.
Although these projects come packed with great benefits for the state of Maryland, the question is “who will pay?”
Some ideas included a new gas tax, new tolls, or public and private partnerships.
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