The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is proud to announce that the renovation of Market Place is now complete. The $2.6 million project began on September 19, 2002 and was finished this July. Improvements to Market Place included the installation of a new roadway along with new curbing, utilities and lighting. In addition, sidewalks were widened and the area was landscaped.

Market Place improvements were initiated in an effort to draw Inner Harbor visitors further north to Port Discovery, Power Plant Live and other area businesses. Developers wanted to expand the ambiance of the harbor by extending the red brick promenade to businesses along Market Place. Wide brick sidewalks and improved lighting were an integral part of the renovation in order to create a carefree atmosphere for patrons and tourists. What used to be a wide center median with little purpose has given way to broad brick sidewalks and a better utilization of space. Market Place is now an ideal location for small festivals and open-air markets.

The Market Place improvement project is yet another example of Transportation's commitment to improving Baltimore's roadways for both motorists and pedestrians. The Department of Transportation will continue working diligently to help 'keep Baltimore moving safely'.

City benches to get a face-lift

Ever sat on a bench at a bus stop? It was probably faded, splintering and missing a board or two. But the city's benches are soon to get a fresh look, thanks to a new initiative by the Department of Transportation.

Transportation crews started surveying and evaluating over 500 city benches on June 09, 2003 to determine what was needed to get them into shape. Located primarily at bus stops along Baltimore's main gateways, the benches are being repaired and painted or replaced if necessary. Most of the benches were refurbished approximately three years ago, and are now in need of repairs. Each bench will be marked with the slogan 'Baltimore: The Greatest City in America' and many will also adorn unique community names in order to highlight Baltimore's diversity of neighborhoods.

Approximately 60 benches have been restored since the start of this initiative. Once the program is complete, citizens will be able to rest comfortably on clean, refurbished benches throughout the city while waiting to ride a bus. The Department of Transportation is committed to making sure that 'the greatest city in America' has some of the 'greatest benches in America' for the citizens of Baltimore.

Department of Transportation to start crosswalk blitz

The Department of Transportation recently started a new endeavor to renew the crosswalks in the downtown area. After years of heavy traffic, many of the district's crosswalks were faded and in need of restoration. Transportation crews recently conducted an evaluation of all crosswalks in the Central Business District to determine which intersections needed repairs. A total of 34 intersections will be re-striped as part of this initiative.

Heavy bus and truck traffic downtown has worn away much of the crosswalk striping. Some intersections need to be touched up with paint, while others will have to be totally stripped and re-laminated with a thermal-plastic laminating machine. Depending on the type of surface and the amount of traffic on each street, a new crosswalk in the downtown area should last approximately four years.

Transportation Maintenance crews started restoring crosswalks on July 09, 2003. In order to avoid traffic delays during peak hours, crosswalk restoration will only be done during evening hours. It is expected to take several months before all crosswalk work in the Central Business District is complete.

The Department of Transportation is committed to keeping pedestrians safe as they walk along the streets of Baltimore. The downtown crosswalk initiative is just another way that Transportation is striving to help 'keep Baltimore moving safely'

Special Traffic Enforcement Officers

With the number of vehicles that travel throughout the city and the fast growing climate of businesses downtown, traffic patterns in Baltimore have changed dramatically throughout the years. Special Traffic Enforcement Officers provide a much-needed service to the City of Baltimore by directing traffic throughout the busy downtown district.

The Special Traffic Enforcement Unit was created to help make travel in Baltimore easier for commuters. Established in 1990, the unit originally began with 8 traffic officers but has been expanded over the years to include a staff of 51. The primary duties of a Special Traffic Enforcement Officer (STEO) include directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic, issuing moving violations and writing parking citations. These officers are commissioned by the Baltimore City Police Department, but serve under the direction of the Department of Transportation.

Special Traffic Enforcement Officers direct traffic under extreme circumstances such as power and street light outages, bomb threats, evacuations and road closures. They are responsible for civic events such as football and baseball games, festivals, parades and races. STEO's direct traffic in conjunction with affairs at the First Mariner Arena, the Baltimore Convention Center, the Myerhoff and the Lyric. They assist with helping children safely to school when crossing guards are not available and escort important dignitaries who are visiting the city.

In a moment's notice, STEO's are called to assist the Baltimore City Police Department with major accidents, fires, hostage situations, shootings and other emergencies that have a direct impact on the flow of traffic. The unique services provided by the Special Traffic Enforcement Officers allows the police to focus their time and manpower on more serious issues, rather than directing forces to manage traffic incidents.

The Special Traffic Enforcement Officers provide an exclusive service for motorists traveling in the city. This team of dedicated officers works diligently to direct traffic and help 'keep Baltimore moving safely'.

Updating traffic signals

The City of Baltimore is embarking on one of the largest citywide advanced transportation management projects in the country. With a capital cost of approximately $21 million, the City will replace all existing traffic signal controllers, the central signal system equipment, field communication equipment and operating software. The existing Transportation Management Center (TMC) will be completely renovated and state-of-the art closed circuit television surveillance cameras will be installed at major intersections and along gateway arterials, including Interstate 83 within city limits. This new system will improve traffic management by providing a synchronous approach to coordinate the movement of traffic.

The city's existing signal system was installed during the mid 1970's and has outlived its expected service life by more than ten years. System components have become obsolete and replacement parts are either non-existent or exorbitantly expensive. This arrangement can no longer properly support the operational and functional requirements for managing complex intersection maneuvers.

A feasibility study was conducted several years ago when the process was begun to update the system. The contract was awarded in January, 2002 and work to replace the system is now underway. The total cost of the project is being federally funded by 80%, while the city is responsible for the remaining 20%.

These improvements will bring substantial benefits to city residents, commuters and the various modes of transportation. The improved signal timing and coordination will accommodate accelerated changes and growth in traffic demands. This will help to reduce the number of delays, stops and accidents. The new system will provide the capability to conduct real time monitoring of traffic conditions in order to better manage traffic incidents and congestion. In addition, various modes of transportation, including vehicular, transit, light rail, pedestrian and bike traffic will be managed more efficiently with the new technology. This project is expected to be complete by June, 2006.

With the number of vehicles that frequent city streets, it is the Department's goal to make travel easier, safer and less frustrating for residents and visitors to the City of Baltimore. The transportation network will be modernized in order to meet the needs of Baltimore, and the Department of Transportation is committed to 'keeping Baltimore moving safely'

Director of Transportation sworn in at City Hall ceremony

Monday, June 02, 2003 was an important day for Colonel Alfred H. Foxx, as he was sworn in as Director of the recently established Department of Transportation. Surrounded by members of City Council, Transportation personnel and his wife, Wanda. Mr. Foxx proudly took the oath of Director. "We will continue to make progress," Foxx declared, after being officially sworn in by Mayor Martin O'Malley.

Mr. Foxx was appointed Director of the Office of Transportation by Mayor O'Malley in July, 2001. A national search was conducted for a qualified candidate to lead the newly created office, which separated from the Department of Public Works. In order for the agency to take the lead on transportation issues and work with other related agencies to better enhance the city's infrastructure, departmental status had to be established. The Office of Transportation officially became a department by order of a city ordinance on March 17, 2003. It was at this time when the new Strategic Transportation Plan was unveiled, which outlines the City's immediate and long-term goals to address every aspect of Transportation.

Mr. Foxx joined Baltimore City Government after serving 26 years in the military. While in the military, he served in several combat units in addition to serving as an Installation Director of Engineering, Housing, and Public Works. He was a Gulf war veteran and was active in the design and construction of military base camps during the early stages of the Bosnian Peace Keeping Mission. His last military assignment was Executive Director of Civil Works at the headquarters of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Historical cannon found during bulkhead restoration

Construction workers doing a bulkhead project in Fells Project made the discovery of a lifetime this April when a 200 year-old French cannon was found in the murky harbor waters. Crews in the process of clearing debris and digging up old piles for the Fells Point Landing bulkhead restoration project discovered the cannon, which was thought to be from the age of the Napoleonic Wars. It was scooped up from its resting place at the bottom of the harbor with a clam basket.

The iron cannon appeared to be in great condition and was turned over to the Maryland Historical Trust. It is now undergoing underwater preservation treatment at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory. Experts say the fleur-de-lis embedded on the historical piece indicates a French pedigree, probably dating back to the early 1800's. Uncertain as to how the cannon ended up in the harbor, they theorize that it might have been a prize from a captured French merchant ship.

But rumors have it that the mystery of just how the cannon came to rest in the waters of Fells Point may have been solved, at least according to William Rohrman. The 68 year-old retired truck driver says it was just a prank, carried out by a couple of mischievous teenagers approximately 50 years ago.

According to Mr. Rohrman, he and some friends were hanging around the waterfront one summer night back in the 1950's when they saw the cannon dislodge from its moorings. On the foot of Bond Street outside the Rukert Terminals Corporation, two cannons had been placed to act as bumper posts so that trucks would not hit into the warehouse walls. But on this night, a flatbed trailer cut the corner too sharply and knocked over one of the cannons.

The mischievous teens thought they could sell it for some easy money and loaded the cannon onto a handcart. However, the 500-pound 'prize' proved too cumbersome for the crew that didn't want to get caught hustling the cannon, so they ended up tossing it into the harbor.

Rohrman has speculated over the years that one day during construction the cannon would be revealed. So this discovery did not come as a complete surprise. After consulting with a childhood friend who was also a part of the adventure, Mr. Rohrman contacted a writer at the Baltimore Sun paper to set the record straight. It's a piece of history that has been restored, thanks to a couple of adventurous teens.

Director speaks at Ford's centennial celebration

This year the Ford Motor Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary and the Department of Transportation was honored to share in the festivities. On Thursday, May 29, 2003 the Ford Motor Company held a grand birthday gala at the Inner Harbor Amphitheatre, with a display of vintage and contemporary vehicles, trivia contests and live broadcasts from WQSR-FM 102.7 radio. Department of Transportation Director Al Foxx was at the affair to commemorate Ford on their accomplishments and to cut the ceremonial 'first piece' of birthday cake.

The Ford Motor Company is a unique business success story. Over the past 100 years, Ford has outpaced many companies with its growth and perseverance. Ford has been instrumental in contributing to the economic development of Baltimore, and the city has greatly benefited from this long-standing relationship. Baltimore is a significant site for the corporation, as the port of Baltimore is used to import Volvo automobiles to the northeastern United States.

The strong relationships established with the millions of Ford owners has taken the Ford Motor Company to their centennial and beyond. Ford is the world's second largest auto maker with almost 350,000 employees and operations in more than 200 markets across the world. Its automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda and Volvo. The company's headquarters are located in Dearborn, Michigan.

The Ford Motor Company will officially observe its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003. The Department of Transportation was proud to be a part of Ford's centennial celebration and looks forward to many more years of success.

Baltimore Main Streets Pedestrian Lighting project is now complete

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is proud to announce that the Baltimore Main Streets III Pedestrian Lighting project is now complete. This construction project called for new lighting and conduit to be installed along Charles and Light Streets from Montgomery to Ostend Streets. The contract was awarded to Monumental Paving and Excavating, Incorporated on July 31, 2002 in the amount of $335,000.00.

The project consisted of the placement of encased conduit, decorative light posts and new sidewalks. The contractor worked diligently to finish this project ahead of the scheduled completion date. Residents, businesses and motorists alike can now enjoy the lighting improvements without further construction delays.

The Department of Transportation is committed to 'keeping Baltimore moving safely' and would like to thank citizens for their patience during construction.

New traffic modifications ease congestion along the JFX

The onset of the JFX Phase II construction meant lane closures along the expressway and traffic jams for morning commuters. When the project started in November, 2002 patience wore thin as motorists were caught in traffic for almost an hour each day. With construction taking approximately eighteen months to complete, the Department of Transportation knew that something had to be done to alleviate the problem.

Traffic engineers examined conditions along the expressway to determine the most effective course of action. After careful review, traffic patterns were modified to alleviate congestion throughout the work zone. Starting in March, the 29th Street access ramp to the Jones Falls Expressway was closed so that motorists would not be merging into traffic approaching the construction area and contributing to the congestion. In addition, the right lane of the expressway approaching North Avenue was converted into an 'exit only' lane. Commuters driving in the right lane of traffic now have to exit onto North Avenue and across Mount Royal Avenue to utilize other major arteries into the city, such as Maryland Avenue or St. Paul Street.

Besides changing traffic patterns on the expressway, the use of alternate routes was strongly encouraged. There are many gateways into the downtown area that can be used to avoid delays on the expressway. The Department of Transportation posted special 'alternate route' signs along several major arteries. Special Traffic Enforcement Officers (STEO's) are also in place each morning to assist Baltimore City Police with the movement of traffic.

The new traffic modifications have proven to alleviate congestion along Interstate 83. Motorists are now relieved when they use the expressway, as commute times average 12 to 15 minutes from the city line to Fayette Street. The Department of Transportation is committed to 'keeping Baltimore moving safely' and would like to thank commuters for their patience as we construct a new and improved Jones Falls Expressway.

Preakness Preparations Shine Through for Race Fans

The Department of Transportation was very busy in preparation for the 128th running of the Preakness Stakes. In anticipation of the 100,000 fans that attended the race, the city made sure that the Pimlico neighborhood was ready for the big event. Transportation Maintenance crews spruced up area medians and right-of-ways by making sure they were freshly mowed, trimmed and cleaned. Guardrails and roadways were inspected and repaired so that the ride to the race would be safe for motorists. Roadway markings were freshly painted for easy visibility, and all traffic signal equipment was checked. Transportation crews examined and replaced any damaged or missing signs, and reported other concerns to the appropriate agencies for immediate action.

In addition to the clean-up and repairs, Preakness logos were installed throughout the area to mark the way to the race. Once Preakness Day arrived, a variety of Transportation officials were stationed in and around Pimlico to ensure that traffic flowed smoothly. The Department of Transportation is committed to 'keeping Baltimore moving safely' and played an integral role to ensure that Preakness Day was a success.

Pulaski Highway Gateway Project is complete

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is proud to announce that the Pulaski Highway gateway project is now complete. This construction project called for a complete rehabilitation of Pulaski Highway from Orleans Street to the city line. The contract was awarded to P. Flannigan & Sons, Incorporated on October 10, 2001 in the amount of over $5.9 million.

The reconstruction of Pulaski Highway consisted of the replacement of sidewalks, lighting, curbing and gutters, median and inlet repairs, base roadway repairs, milling and paving, the installation of bus pads and landscaping. The contractor worked day and night to meet the scheduled completion date. Motorists can now enjoy the ride along Pulaski Highway without further construction delays.

The Department of Transportation is committed to 'keeping Baltimore moving safely' and would like to thank motorists for their patience during construction.

Transportation hosts COMTO meeting

On Tuesday, May 20, 2003 the Department of Transportation was proud to sponsor the May "Learn About…" series for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). This was the first time that a city agency has ever hosted a COMTO meeting, and Baltimore's Department of Transportation was the topic for this month's agenda.

The "Learn About…" series was developed by Beverly Hill, President of COMTO's Maryland Chapter, so that members could gain insight about the various organizations represented within the chapter. Colonel Alfred H. Foxx, Director of the Department of Transportation did an excellent job of explaining Transportation's structure and mission to the group. He presented a slide show as members dined on light fare and discussed Transportation's Strategic Plan. The presentation ended with a briefing on how the department tackles snow removal in Baltimore, with references to the past winter's storm of the century.

COMTO members were very interested in learning about the city's transportation programs and feedback from the group was positive. The Department of Transportation welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Maryland/DC chapters of COMTO and looks forward to developing a strong partnership with the organization.

The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials was founded in January, 1971. COMTO is recognized for its programs nationally and locally through networking, training, MBE/WBE/DBE opportunity programs, education, scholarships and research. It serves as a networking vehicle for minority businesses looking for contract opportunities within the transportation industry. There are now over 2,000 COMTO members in all areas of transportation, with six regional chapters and over 25 local chapters throughout the United States.