Progress Underway For I-95 Express Toll Lane Extension

BALTIMORE COUNTY - On Monday evening, The Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) held a public hearing at Perry Hall Highschool to determine the rate for the new I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETLs).

This marks the first of three hearings where the public can express their thoughts on the extension and how much it should cost to take the I-95 new toll lanes.

WMAR2 reports that Will Pines, Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director said progress is already underway for the project.

"The construction is already well underway on this program. We have 14 contracts that are completed already, five more that are in construction, and the remaining segments are under design and on schedule for our openings," Pines said.

The current express lane starts at the 895 and 95 split and runs to White Marsh. Under the ETL extension, 12 miles would be added, extending from Maryland 43 to Route 24 in Harford County.

According to the MTA, the current proposal would implement the same rate at the existing ETLs, which can vary based on the type of vehicle and E-Z pass plan.

According to WMAR2, Pines said that as many as 44,000 vehicles use the ETL on a busy day and that an expansion would improve travel times, add new noise walls, and replace aging bridges.

Public comments will be accepted until April 13. The following public hearing is on March 2 and will be virtual. The third meeting will be held on March 6 at Joppatowne High School — final board approval of the toll price is scheduled for June.