Maryland DOT proposes to widen another highway

Over the next few weeks officials from Maryland Department of Transportation will be meeting with state officials to discuss a plan to reduce traffic congestion within the state. A part of that plan is widening U.S 15 by adding an additional travel lane in each direction. The expansion will cost the state nearly 200 Million dollars. 

Ultimately this project may be less successful than many people hope because highway expansion has been found to be ineffective at reducing traffic congestion. To address the increasing demand for safe and efficient transportation, states should look to repairing their already established roads and bridges as well as investing in public transportation. To learn more about the best strategies to reduce wasteful spending and relieve traffic congestion visit PIRG’s Highway Boondoggles report.