Baltimore’s $50 Million East-West Bus Upgrade Moves Toward October Construction

Construction on a major east-west transit project in Baltimore is scheduled to begin October 6, with phased work expected to continue through 2029 along the CityLink Blue and CityLink Orange corridors.

The Maryland Transit Administration announced September 10 that the RAISE East-West Transit Priority Project will cover about 20 miles and involve a total investment of $50 million, including a $22 million federal RAISE grant. The corridor runs through Baltimore City and extends into Baltimore County, affecting bus riders, pedestrians, cyclists, nearby businesses and other travelers.

What the project will add

MTA says the work will include upgraded traffic signals that give buses priority and curb treatments or bus-priority lanes intended to help buses move more reliably through the corridor.

Other planned improvements include new crosswalks, accessible sidewalk ramps, better lighting at bus stops and improved boarding areas. The program also includes an upgraded bicycle connection between downtown Baltimore and the West Baltimore MARC station.

MTA describes the intended results as more reliable transit, safer crossings, improved accessibility and better connections for people walking, biking and using buses. Those are project goals, not measured results available before construction.

Work will roll out in phases

The construction program will not begin everywhere at once. MTA says crews will work in stages through 2029, with specific lane restrictions, stop changes and access effects varying by location and phase.

Most work is expected to occur on weekday daytime hours, although MTA says some evening or weekend work may be needed. The agency estimates that most bus-stop upgrades will take about three to five days per location.

That could temporarily affect boarding areas, sidewalks or nearby access for riders, pedestrians and businesses. The exact effects will depend on the construction phase and location.

Public meetings are scheduled for September 22

Residents, riders and business owners can attend one of two virtual MTA meetings on Tuesday, September 22. The midday meeting is scheduled for noon to 1:30 p.m., and the evening meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m.

MTA says the meetings will cover construction plans and timelines and provide an opportunity for questions. Meeting access, maps and project schedules are available through the RAISE Baltimore project website.

People who use CityLink Blue or CityLink Orange, live or operate businesses along the corridors, or connect to West Baltimore MARC should monitor project updates as construction approaches. The effects will unfold over time, and stop-specific schedules, lane restrictions and access changes will depend on the phase of work in each location.

Sources

• Maryland Transit Administration construction announcement
• RAISE Baltimore project website