Maryland released its Consolidated Transportation Program for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 on Jan. 22, 2026, outlining $22.1 billion in planned capital investments for transportation projects statewide. The Maryland Department of Transportation prepared the six-year capital budget, which includes major and minor projects across modes such as highways, transit, aviation, ports and motor vehicles. For Southern Maryland, encompassing St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert counties, the program allocates funds for road resurfacing, bridge replacements, transit development and bicycle-pedestrian improvements, aiming to enhance safety, mobility and access amid regional growth.
The CTP, effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2031, prioritizes system preservation while advancing select capacity expansions. It incorporates new state revenues from legislation enacted in 2025, adding over $400 million annually to match federal funds. This enables $890 million in additional federal resources for bridge rehabilitation and roadway resurfacing statewide, with proportional benefits to Southern Maryland. The program also sustains Highway User Revenue grants, distributing $2.3 billion over six years to local jurisdictions for road maintenance based on formulas tied to vehicle registrations and road miles.
Charles County receives targeted investments in highway infrastructure. The program funds the replacement of Bridge No. 0802100 on MD 225 over Mattawoman Creek at $5.7 million, with engineering underway and construction set to begin late in fiscal 2026. Safety improvements on MD 231 at MD 508 total $14.6 million in fiscal 2027, followed by $13.9 million in fiscal 2028 for upgrades from Toye Lane to west of Prince Frederick Boulevard and $6.2 million in fiscal 2029 at Skipjack Road. Resurfacing projects include $2.6 million under construction at various locations and $9.7 million planned for fiscal 2026. The Popes Creek Rail Trail receives $1.8 million for recreational trail development, and the Mill Hill Road Safe Routes to School project gets $515,000 under construction. Locally Operated Transit Systems capital grants for Charles County total $588,000 in fiscal 2026 for vehicle replacements and preventive maintenance, plus $2 million for facility construction in fiscal 2027.
In St. Mary’s County, the CTP advances MD 5 upgrades from MD 471 to MD 246, including replacement of Bridge No. 1800600 over the St. Mary’s River, at $32.9 million. Engineering and utilities progress in fiscal 2026, with construction starting in fiscal 2027 at $3.6 million, escalating to $9.3 million in fiscal 2028 and $7.7 million in fiscal 2029. Resurfacing allocations include $3.8 million under construction and $8.4 million in fiscal 2026 at various sites. Bicycle and pedestrian enhancements feature $3.2 million under design for MD 235 from MD 246 to MD 237 and $2.3 million under design for MD 245 from Baldridge Street to Town Run Drive. The Three Notch Trail Phase VII gets $3.5 million under design. Transit grants for St. Mary’s total $588,000 in fiscal 2026 for bus replacements and maintenance.
Calvert County sees resurfacing investments of $4 million under construction and $5.1 million in fiscal 2026 at multiple locations. The MD 261 Bayside Road Safe Routes to School project receives $160,000 under design. Transit funding includes $775,000 in fiscal 2026 for vehicle replacements and facility upgrades.
The Southern Maryland Rapid Transit project, a fixed-route service from Branch Avenue Metrorail to White Plains, advances through the National Environmental Policy Act process with $35 million total, including $12.4 million in fiscal 2026 for planning. This initiative addresses congestion on MD 5/US 301, supporting commuting and development.
Highway User Revenue grants provide ongoing support: Calvert County $3.2 million, Charles County $4.9 million and St. Mary’s County $3.4 million in fiscal 2027, based on revenue estimates. Ridesharing programs through the Tri-County Council receive funding to promote carpools.
These allocations align with state goals for safety and economic development, responding to population growth near military installations like Naval Air Station Patuxent River. No major cuts appear from prior plans, though some projects remain on hold due to funding priorities.
The CTP reflects input from local officials and residents, emphasizing equity and sustainability. Actual expenditures depend on revenue attainment and federal approvals.
