Signed into law by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is the largest infrastructure project in the United States in the last 100 years. This law aims to modernize roads, bridges, transportation systems, railways, airports, and develop environmentally sustainable energy.
For the state of Maryland, which received a “C” grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers for the condition of its infrastructure, this is an opportunity for a major upgrade of its transportation networks, the creation of thousands of well-paying jobs, and the strengthening of the region’s economic potential.
Road and bridge repairs
Maryland has 273 bridges and more than 2,200 miles of roads in poor condition. Each driver loses an average of $637 per year due to car repairs and road network inefficiency.
Under the new law, the state will receive approximately $4.6 billion over five years in federal funding, which is 36% more than before.
Additionally, Maryland will be eligible for funds from:
- $12.5 billion — the national bridge rehabilitation program;
- $15 billion — for the implementation of megaprojects that bring significant economic benefits.
The state will also receive:
- $94 million — to reduce transportation emissions;
- $107 million — to improve the resilience of the transportation system to climate change.
Road safety
Road safety is one of BIL’s priorities. An additional $13 billion has been allocated for these purposes, on top of the previous level of funding.
For Maryland, the following is planned:
- $28 million for programs to reduce accidents and change driver behavior (a 29% increase from previous levels);
- The opportunity to participate in the new federal Safe Streets for All program ($6 billion) — support for Vision Zero projects to prevent deaths among pedestrians and cyclists;
- $39 million for commercial transport safety (a 93% increase compared to previous figures).
Public transport development
Maryland residents who use public transportation spend 66% more time on the road than drivers, and 22.7% of vehicles have already exceeded their service life.
To address these issues, the state will receive $1.8 billion over five years to modernize public transportation — a 36% increase from previous funding levels.
The funds will be used to:
- renew bus fleets;
- build new stations and routes;
- introduce environmentally friendly solutions — electric and low-emission buses.
Electromobility and charging infrastructure
The law provides $7.5 billion for the creation of the first-ever national network of charging stations for electric vehicles in the United States.
Maryland will receive $63 million over five years to develop a network of charging stations along highways and in residential areas. The state can also apply for grants from a $2.5 billion federal fund to expand the charging station network.
Railway modernization
$66 billion is earmarked for rail service, including:
- $22 billion for Amtrak;
- $24 billion for modernizing the Northeast Corridor (including routes through Maryland);
- $12 billion for developing high-speed and intercity transportation.
Maryland is also eligible for:
- $5 billion to improve railroad safety;
- $3 billion to eliminate dangerous railroad crossings.
A key project is the Purple Line light rail line, currently under construction, which will receive federal support under the Capital Investment Grants program ($23 billion).
Investments in airports
Maryland airports will receive $158 million to improve infrastructure over five years. The funds will be used for:
- renovation of runways and terminals;
- improvements in safety and energy efficiency;
- improvements in accessibility for people with disabilities.
In addition, a $5 billion grant fund is available for terminal development and airport modernization.
New and expanded grant programs
BIL is launching more than 20 federal grant programs, including:
- Safe Streets for All ($6 billion) – road safety;
- INFRA Grants ($14 billion) – modernization of freight and multimodal routes;
- Low/No Emission Bus Programs ($5.6 billion) – environmentally friendly buses;
- PROTECT Program ($8.7 billion) – protection of transport infrastructure from extreme weather events;
- Port Infrastructure Program ($2.25 billion) – improvement of ports and waterways;
- SMART Grant ($1 billion) – innovation and digitalization of transport.
Economic impact
The investments will not only improve the quality of roads, transport, and energy, but also create tens of thousands of jobs. The average salary in infrastructure projects exceeds the national average, and 90% of jobs do not require a college degree, providing a stable income for a broad segment of the population.
Conclusion
The bipartisan infrastructure investment bill will be a turning point for Maryland. It will upgrade transportation corridors, improve the quality of life for millions of residents, make the economy more resilient, and make the environment cleaner.
Maryland is among the states that will receive significant federal resources for modernization, from roads and bridges to electric transportation and smart safety systems.
