MDOT outlines $21.5 billion six-year plan, highlights Kent County accessibility and safety projects

Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Samantha Biddle told Kent County commissioners the draft six-year Consolidated Transportation Program totals $21.5 billion and reflects roughly $400 million in new annual state transportation revenue that, when matched with federal funds and financing, approaches nearly $700 million in annual investments.

The draft CTP, Biddle said, prioritizes safety, state of good repair and economic growth while acknowledging constrained funds. ‘We are continuing to push forward to expedite progress and sharply bend the curve on roadway fatalities across Maryland,’ she said, stressing the department’s effort to stretch available dollars by combining state, federal and financing tools.

Local examples presented to the commissioners included activation of raised-flash pedestrian beacons at two Chestertown crosswalks and resurfacing work this year in Kent County: slightly more than 2.5 miles of Maryland 299 (Quinn Road to MD 290) and 1.5 miles of MD 446. Will Pines, Maryland State Highway Administrator, said SHA will advance design work for sidewalks on MD 213 (Water Street to north of Malone Avenue) and on MD 514 (High Street to Sutton Way).

The department also highlighted larger, nearby projects that could affect local traffic and coordination needs: the $14.6 million replacement of the U.S. 301 Chester River Bridge (reported to open to traffic in late fall) and ongoing coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on repairs to a Chesapeake & Delaware Canal bridge that will include detours and lane closures.

MDTA planning director Melissa Williams told the board MDTA will publish a draft environmental impact statement and host public hearings for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Tier 2 NEPA study, expected to conclude in late 2026. MTA and aviation officials reported grant support for local transit and airports: officials said MTA will administer $1 million in local transit grants for Delmarva Community Transit (serving Kent, Caroline and Talbot counties) and the Maryland Aviation Administration plans $3 million in airport funding statewide for fiscal 2026.

Commissioners pressed MDOT officials on the department’s budget, fee increases and service restoration. Biddle and Pines explained that while the operating and capital budgets remain constrained, restoring previously deferred preservation and safety work was a priority made possible by recent revenue actions and federal matches. ‘We do understand that those fees do impact people,’ Biddle said in response to a question about registration costs.

Why it matters: county officials said the projects and grants announced — pedestrian beacons, resurfacing, sidewalks and the Betterton Beach accessibility grant — will have an immediate local effect on safety and access. MDOT officials also committed to coordinate on detours and timing for larger regional bridge projects that might disrupt travel.

Next steps: MDTA will publish the Chesapeake Bay Crossing draft EIS and hold public hearings; SHA staff offered to follow up with town officials on sidewalk walking tours and localized safety concerns.