The Government of Maryland and its State Comptroller have reached an agreement that would move forward the planned public-private partnership project that seeks to ease traffic congestion. 

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Comptroller Peter Franchot have agreed to allow the Maryland Department of Transportation to seek financing and the construction proposals from the private sector. The two votes represent the majority on the Maryland Board of Public Works which would approve the plan to move forward. 

Maryland is in partnership with the State of Virginia for the construction of a new American Legion Bridge. The deal includes the development of new toll lanes on Interstate 270, though existing lanes on I-270 would not require drivers to pay tolls. The planned toll lanes for Interstate 495 have been excluded in the initial proposal for now. 

The discussion with the State Government and Franchot has led to the plan that would not include the construction work east of I-270 toward I-95, which had significant community opposition. The new agreement drafted will provide subsidies on the front end for transit from the concessionaire to Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.