Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has received approval from the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) during the last meeting hold on July 21 for its toll lanes proposal for I-495 & I-270 P3 Program. 

The TPB voted in favor of widening Interstate 270 and section of the Capital Beltway with toll lanes as part of the traffic relief plan. The MDOT has also agreed to include state funding to design bus lanes as part of the highway expansions.

This approval is a significant step for the project, allowing the MDOT to put back toll lanes to the proposal and seek approval of the first contract. The project can also undergo air-quality analysis in order to be included in the region’s long-term transportation plan, which is a requirement for federal environmental approval.