MD 90 PEL Project Team Named SHA OPPE Team of the Year

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administration (SHA) Office of Planning and Preliminary Engineering (OPPE) has honored the Maryland Route 90 (MD 90) Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study team, which includes Gannett Fleming as the lead consultant, as the 2023 OPPE Team of the Year.

The award recognizes Gannett Fleming’s contributions to enhancing mobility, accessibility, safety, and resiliency along the 12-mile MD 90 corridor, which stretches from U.S. Route 50 in Worcester County to Maryland Route 528 in Ocean City.

Gannett Fleming performed the PEL study, a collaborative and integrated approach to transportation decision-making, focusing on environmental, community, and economic goals. Early in the study, the team identified long-term transportation needs, including mobility and accessibility, safety, and resiliency. The study team also developed concepts and recommended strategies for the project’s development, promoting environmental stewardship and reducing project implementation delays by identifying potential obstacles early in the process.

The team’s environmental review adhered to the National Environmental Policy Act requirements and other relevant environmental laws and regulations necessary for federally funded transportation projects. Public engagement was crucial in shaping the final report, released in February 2023.

“The MD 90 PEL study helps us explore strategies to improve service for all those who use MD 90, from vacationers and local residents to business travelers and emergency responders,” said MDOT Secretary Paul Wiedefeld. “In our mission to protect and enhance Maryland communities, we know mobility, accessibility, safety, and reliability are vital components. This study will help us and our community partners chart a course of action.”

The MD 90 PEL Study is the first formal PEL study conducted by the OPPE. Based on the study team’s findings and recommendations, preliminary design work is underway. This work addresses network redundancy, storm event evacuations, summer vacation season traffic, and pedestrian and bicyclist accessibility.