Fighting Horns and Headlights

"Even under the most optimistic projections, the traffic situation is expected to remain intense for the foreseeable future."

Taken directly from a release by the Fort Meade regional Growth Management Committee's (RGMC) Transportation Program Situation Report, those in leadership over BRAC and Department of Defense (DOD) additions have their hands full when it comes to handling the flood of vehicles into the Ft. Meade area.

By the 2015-2020 time frame, an expected 15,000-20,000 new jobs will exist on the Army base with another 30,000 more indirect jobs created off-site.

According to the release, over 90% of the Fort Meade workforce commutes from surrounding areas, making the improvement of transportation and commuting circumstances a key part of the BRAC transitions.

While attempting to handle the influx of cars on the road, much depends on the cooperation of the State Highway Administration's funding and projects.

"Fort Meade workforce and peak period traffic volumes will outstrip roadway capacity," said the report. "This gap could remain through 2020 and perhaps longer, depending on statewide transportation resources and priorities."

A two-part strategy is being implemented as the primary response to the traffic increase, focusing on the completion of essential roadway projects and funding them as rapidly as possible, according to the release.

The second half of the solution lies heavily on individual initiative, using proposed programs for teleworking, carpooling, subscription buses and public transit. However, even with these efforts, the roads will remain packed until the latter parts of 2011.

"Because neither part of the strategy can be completed before the 2011 workforce buildup occurs, traffic congestion will remain an ongoing challenge," according to the report.

According to BRAC Executive Director, Kent Menser, some new arrivals to Ft. Meade, such as DISA, will be fully assembled by January of 2011.

One solution to the traffic situation lies in the widening of MD-175, a project that's already begun to get underway and is visible to many who use the road for their commute. The new width will enhance the flow of traffic on the portion of MD-175 from northbound MD-295 to the Rockenbach intersection by widening the highway from to lanes to five lanes, according to the report.

With a target completion date of November 2011, the estimated cost of the project is $16.1 million.

While extensively discussing action steps, the report also highlighted the magnitude of the increased traffic, which read:

-Backups will affect the major highways feeding Rockenbach Gate, including MD-175E, MD-295N and MD-295S.

-Similarly backups in the area of MD-32E/MD-175 interchange, affecting primarily MD-32E, MD-175W and the gates along MD-175.

-Peak delays running 30-45 minutes for vehicles caught in the backups.

 In addition to these concrete effects, the RGMC report discussed how the inability to make adjustments will, "Threaten mission accomplishment and expose Fort Meade workforce members to new security risks; diminish the quality of life for residents and business profitability within five miles of Fort Meade."

As BRAC additions materialize throughout the area, one thing is for sure. Residents commuting to or adjacent to Ft. Meade should be prepared for the worst until the RGMC projects are completed.