Maryland updates state trails strategic plan, announces funding along the East Coast Greenway

Following a nationwide trend, Maryland is the latest state along the East Coast Greenway route to renew its focus on active transportation networks. Earlier this month, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) officially launched its first update to the Maryland Statewide Transportation Trails Strategic Plan since 2009.

East Coast Greenway Alliance Mid-Atlantic Manager Daniel Paschall joined MDOT Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, state and local representatives and fellow trail advocates on Sept. 13 for the kickoff event in Easton, Maryland. Together, they discussed the future of the state's transportation trails network and the opportunities this update presents for expanding active transportation options across Maryland.

This update is expected to play a significant role in expanding and improving shared-use paths across the state, advancing progress on significant projects for the East Coast Greenway like the Lower Susquehanna Greenway Crossing and completing the Greenway between Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C., which is currently nearly two-thirds on trail.

“Shared-use paths are a critical piece of Maryland’s transportation system and contribute to the Maryland Department of Transportation’s goals of enhancing accessibility and connectivity, growing the economy, and expanding safe routes for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Secretary Wiedefeld.

The plan update will focus on developing trails that better serve communities and create safer, more connected routes for cyclists and pedestrians. The East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile trail system running from Maine to Florida, will see direct benefits from these efforts in Maryland. Currently, 37% of Maryland’s 163 miles of the Greenway’s spine route are complete. 

In addition to the strategic plan update, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore recently announced new state funding for various biking, walking and trail projects, including $1 million earmarked for communities along the East Coast Greenway. Highlights include:

• $497,000 to Baltimore City to complete the design of a half-mile segment of the Jones Falls Trail, which will be upgraded to meet current trail standards

• $320,000 to the City of Greenbelt for the final design of a bikeway along Hanover Parkway that will fill a trail gap along the Greenway’s interim travel route (Greenbelt also recently received $200,000 in federal funding from the Safe Streets and Roads for All program to support creating a Vision Zero Action Plan) 

• $120,000 to the City of Havre de Grace for Safe Routes to Schools infrastructure improvements

• $50,000 to the Town of North East for a feasibility study looking at trails to link the town and its water bodies, some of which would connect to and along the Greenway

• $75,000 to the City of Mount Rainier for safety improvements along the Levee Trail along the Greenway’s interim travel route

These projects, funded through MDOT’s Transportation Alternatives and Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program, aim to enhance connectivity and safety across Maryland’s trail network, including the East Coast Greenway. 

The event also marked the formation of the Maryland Trails Committee, a new advisory group that will help shape the updated strategic plan. Paschall will represent the East Coast Greenway Alliance on the committee, which includes representatives from a range of stakeholder groups, including trail advocacy organizations.

For additional updates on the East Coast Greenway in Maryland, see our latest Mid-Atlantic newsletter and sign up for future news.