The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has unveiled a six-year capital investment plan for fiscal years 2025–2030. The total funding will amount to $21.2 billion, which will be used to modernize transportation infrastructure throughout the state.
Main objectives of the plan
The program aims to improve the safety and reliability of the transportation system, as well as to support economic growth by developing local businesses and creating new jobs.
According to Transportation Secretary Paul J. Weidefeld, the document reflects the state’s strategy for building a sustainable and accessible transportation network.
“Maryland deserves a safe, reliable, and accessible transportation system that will drive progress and make this decade a time of opportunity for all residents of the state,” he said.
Funding and priorities
The plan calls for an increase in annual funding of $420 million starting in 2026. This will allow Maryland to attract additional federal funds, for a total of $695 million in investments to repair and upgrade roads, bridges, and public transportation.
The funds will be directed primarily to:
- Major repairs to bridges and road surfaces;
- Upgrades to key highways (including Interstate 81 and U.S. 15);
- Design and construction preparation for MD 97 Montgomery Hills, MD 90, and Medical Center Drive.
Public transportation upgrades
A significant portion of the investment will go to the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).
Specifically:
- More than $213 million in federal grants will be used to purchase new light rail cars that are fully accessible to citizens with limited mobility.
- The modernization of MARC commuter trains will continue.
- Funding will be provided for studies on the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit project.
- support for local transportation systems will increase.
Port and airport development
Special attention is being paid to the Port of Baltimore, which is an important economic hub for the state. Funding will go toward expanding capacity and upgrading infrastructure, which will help the port stay competitive and create new jobs.
Investments will also be directed to:
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI);
- Martin State Airport — to improve safety and carry out preventive maintenance.
Support for local communities
MDOT maintains funding through Highway User Revenues, which helps counties and cities maintain roads, bridges, and local transportation networks. This ensures smooth traffic flow and safe conditions in the area.
Financial stability and long-term solutions
The plan provides for a balanced approach to debt and investment management:
- $200 million will be allocated to new capital projects;
- $155 million will be allocated to servicing existing debt;
- $65 million will be allocated to operating expenses.
This approach allows the state to maintain its highest AAA credit rating, which guarantees favorable borrowing terms for future projects.
Responding to challenges and citizen engagement
When Governor Wes Moore took office, Maryland’s transportation system was facing the consequences of years of underfunding. Temporary federal subsidies allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic helped support the industry, but did not solve the problem in the long term. The new plan lays the foundation for sustainable development and restores confidence in the state’s transportation system.
In preparing the program, MDOT held public hearings in all counties and in Baltimore to take into account the views of residents and local authorities. This allowed the focus to be placed on projects that are truly important to specific communities.
Looking to the future
Maryland’s six-year capital plan is not just about repairing roads and bridges. It is a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving the quality of life for residents, reducing congestion, developing public transportation, and strengthening the economy.
Implementation of the program will create thousands of jobs and improve transportation accessibility for all segments of the population.
The full document with a detailed list of projects is available on the official website of the Maryland Department of Transportation. Every resident of the state can find out what changes will take place in their region in the coming years.
