Statement
Statement from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on Governor Moore’s and Maryland Department of Transportation’s Plan for American Legion Bridge and I-495/I-270 Corridors
For Immediate Release: Monday 21 August
I appreciate Governor Moore and the Maryland Department of Transportation’s sense of urgency about the future of the American Legion Bridge, I-495, and I-270 expansion.
I am glad that the Governor and MDOT are first focusing on the American Legion Bridge and submitting a grant request to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Upon taking office, I told the Hogan Administration at the December 2018 Committee for Montgomery breakfast that they should be starting work at the Bridge, not at I-370 as originally planned. The bridge is the current choke point, and it made no sense to start elsewhere. By starting at the bridge, we can then see how that work impacts the traffic flow on the Beltway and on I-270. I am also encouraged that the Governor’s announcement today actively includes transit as part of the solution – a distinct, key difference from the previous administration.
For the last several years, I have argued that I am not against expansion of these roadways, but I did not want a bad design, unnecessary expenses, and oppressive toll rates. I also questioned the process, deal and relationship that the Hogan Administration had with Australian company, Transurban. Furthermore, the Hogan Administration refused to meet with and hear Montgomery County residents and community concerns about this deal. In wake of the U.S. Infrastructure and Reinvest Act that passed last year, I also advocated for and urged the state to go after federal funding instead of relying solely on the private sector and tolls on commuters.
Upon hearing this news today, there are going to be many activists, residents, and commuters concerned about tolling, environmental impacts, as well as potential expansion of these roads into nearby communities. While I understand their trepidation, I am heartened by the Moore Administration and MDOT acknowledgement that engaging with the communities is fundamental to the success of this project, and based on conversations thus far, I am optimistic that this project can be done without the impacts that people are concerned about. Since taking office the Moore Administration and MDOT officials have been willing to meet, listen, and learn about our priorities and problems with the Hogan Administration’s plan.
I appreciate the new approach and partnership from the Moore Administration and MDOT and I am looking forward to working with them as this project moves forward.
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Release ID: 23-021