Local Control Proposed to Halt Toll Road Progress in Maryland

State legislators want counties to be able to veto toll projects proposed by Governor Larry Hogan.

1 minute read

February 12, 2019, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Interstate 495

sevenMaps7 / Shutterstock

"Maryland lawmakers are tackling legislation that could stall a multibillion-dollar proposal by Gov. Larry Hogan (R) to build a network of toll lanes in the Washington suburbs by requiring the state to secure the consent of affected counties first," repots Luz Lazo.

Del. Brooke E. Lierman (D-Baltimore City) co-sponsored the legislation that would expand powers of local control already granted to nine counties in Maryland, all located on the Eastern Shore.

"If approved, the measure could sidetrack Hogan’s $9 billion to $11 billion plan to widen two of the state’s most congested highways and add four toll lanes each to Maryland’s portion of the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) and to Interstate 270 from the Beltway to Frederick," according to Luz. "The governor has also proposed to widen the Baltimore-Washington Parkway by four toll lanes — after taking over ownership from the National Park Service."

For background on the growing local opposition to the state's toll road plans, see earlier coverage from September 2018.

Thursday, February 7, 2019 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog