MDOT Invests Over $500M in Complete Streets Safety Initiatives

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) celebrates a pivotal milestone in its transportation strategy, marking two years of its Complete Streets Policy. This initiative, established in June 2024, focuses on creating safer and more equitable transportation networks for various users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. As part of this policy, MDOT reported an impressive 18% reduction in fatal crashes statewide in 2025 compared to the previous year. The emphasis on safety and multimodal accessibility reflects MDOT's commitment to enhancing public health and supporting robust economic vitality by building infrastructure that accommodates all modes of transportation.

The Complete Streets Policy aims to design, plan, and implement transportation projects with inclusivity in mind. Katie Thomson, the Secretary of MDOT, stated, "By prioritizing safety, accessibility, and multimodal connectivity, we’re building a transportation system that works better for everyone." As a demonstration of this commitment, the agency has allocated over $500 million in its six-year capital budget for active transportation improvements. This investment includes ongoing efforts on the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP) corridors and the introduction of 10 quick-build safety projects across Maryland, catering specifically to enhance the safety of vulnerable road users.

One of the cornerstones of this initiative is the consistent execution of various significant safety enhancements. Notable projects include upgrading over 1,300 crosswalks, reconstructing 11.26 miles of sidewalks, and constructing 13.34 miles of new sidewalks designed for pedestrian safety. The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is currently focused on the speedy implementation of safety improvements, particularly in the first of the PSAP corridors located on MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue), with completion expected in the fall of 2026. This urgency promotes both immediate safety enhancements and long-term structural improvements, thereby safeguarding communities.

To further support these objectives, MDOT has embedded Complete Streets principles into all phases of project planning and design across its various operational modes. SHA Administrator Will Pines remarked on the initiative's success, highlighting the importance of providing tools necessary to ensure a safe, connected, and accessible transportation system for all users. The policy not only prioritizes immediate safety but aims to build a sustainable framework for future projects, which is critical for enhancing overall transportation infrastructure in Maryland.

The national trend towards increasing infrastructure safety, paired with the strategic capital allocation in Maryland, presents procurement opportunities for contractors specializing in roadway safety, pedestrian infrastructure, and multimodal transportation enhancements. As projects related to the PSAP and quick-build initiatives ramp up, procurement professionals should actively prepare for upcoming requests for proposals (RFPs) and solicitations that focus on innovative solutions for highway and pedestrian safety.

Engagement with MDOT and SHA could yield fruitful partnerships for vendors with expertise in active transportation and infrastructure safety. Given the significant capital investment across the state, there is a clear signal that contractors in these sectors must be agile and prepared to present their capabilities for upcoming projects that promise to adhere to the newly refined safety standards and public health commitments underpinning the Complete Streets initiative.

For further specifics or inquiries regarding ongoing projects and communication from MDOT, interested parties may reach out to the Office of Public Affairs to gain insights into strategic engagement opportunities.

• MDOT has allocated over $500 million for active transportation projects over six years.
• 18% reduction in fatal crashes statewide noted since the Complete Streets Policy implementation.
• 1,300 crosswalks upgraded as part of the safety initiative.
• 11.26 miles of sidewalks reconstructed; 13.34 miles of new sidewalks built.
• Completion of key safety improvements on MD 650 expected by Fall 2026.
• 10 quick-build safety projects are underway designed for rapid implementation.
• The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP) identifies 23 corridors for safety improvements.
• Future procurements will focus on vendors with active transportation and safety expertise.
• MDOT’s Office of Public Affairs contact available for further inquiries.