• Purpose & Need /
  Project History
• Decision-Making Process
• Funding
• Environmental Process
• Schedule
• Alternatives
• Stations / Land Use
• Operations
• Ridership
• Vehicles
• Community Issues
• Public Involvement
• Safety & Security
• Parking / Traffic /
  Pedestrians / Bicycles
• Cost to Construct
• Maintenance Facilities

Parking / Traffic /
Pedestrians / Bicycles

108. What kind of traffic studies are being performed to estimate the impact of the Red Line on automobile travel in the corridor?

Traffic studies are being performed on the Red Line corridor as part of this project. The studies began with the gathering of traffic counts at over 100 signalized intersections. Diagrams were developed showing the morning and evening peak traffic volumes. From a review of the data, the evening peak hour was determined to be the higher volume. Therefore, for all analysis the evening peak hour was defined as the critical time.

Travel demand forecasts are being developed for the various Red Line alternatives for both automobile and transit volumes. These forecasts will be based on the Baltimore Metropolitan Council's travel demand model. The traffic volumes then will be applied to a traffic simulation model (VISSIM) to determine impacts on traffic operations in the Red Line study area.

109. What kind of parking studies are being performed to estimate the impact of the Red Line on parking?

Parking studies are being conducted in three steps. Step One identifies the number of existing spaces in any area. A field review was performed to determine the number of spaces. This consists of counting the number of parking meters or estimating the spaces by dividing the length of the block by the average car length used when parking. Step Two measures the usage of those spaces. A study was undertaken to determine the number of occupied spaces. A count was performed approximately every hour for a selected time period on one weekday and one Saturday or Sunday to determine the number of occupied spaces. The final step determines the number of spaces displaced by particular Red Line alternatives.

110. Will the Red Line relieve traffic congestion?

The Red Line will provide travel choice for area residents. Experience has shown that riders on a Red Line will be comprised of existing MTA bus riders and new riders to transit. To the extent that the Red Line service is attractive to people currently driving automobile usage should decrease.

111. What will be the traffic impact during construction?

Traffic impact in the Red Line corridor will vary during the construction phase, depending on the type and location of construction. During this phase, the MTA and local jurisdictions will implement a Maintenance of Traffic plan to lessen the impact on individual streets, maintain access to homes and businesses and provide temporary detour routes where necessary. Construction work can be scheduled in segments so the area impacted at any one time is minimized. Some construction can be scheduled during off-peak times to avoid morning and evening rush hour traffic. The MTA will limit traffic impact whenever possible.

While surface construction is under way, drivers may encounter lane shifts, occasional detour routes and temporary lane closures. Access to and from cross-streets may be reduced; local traffic may need to be rerouted to avoid construction zones. Bored tunnels will not necessarily have a large-scale traffic impact during construction, but in areas where cut-and-cover tunneling is necessary, temporary road closures may occur during the initial phase. Once this tunneling construction has been taken to a certain depth, the work site can be covered, with traffic restored above while work continues below.

112. Will bikes be allowed on BRT or LRT vehicles?

Bicycles will be allowed on Red Line vehicles. MTA's current policy encourages bicycles on public transportation to enhance mobility. MTA currently allows bicycles to be brought on local buses, Light Rail, and Metro vehicles, and in special cases MARC trains. On the Metro and Light Rail, bikes are permitted except on crowded trains. A bicycle rider must hold onto the bicycle in the area of the train designated for seniors and people with disabilities. These same bicycle policies would apply to the Red Line.

More information on the MTA's current policy on bicycles aboard transit vehicles is described in a booklet, "Bicycles on the MTA". This booklet is available on line at http://www.mtamaryland.com/resources/bikesonmta/MTA_Bike_Brochure.pdf or by contacting MTA's Office of Customer Information.

113. Will I lose parking if a surface alternative is selected for the Red Line?

The loss of parking if any surface alternative is selected will be based upon the specifics of that alternative. For example, most alternatives along Cooks Lane would eliminate parking along the east side of the roadway. Parking on the west side of Cooks Lane would be allowed with all alternatives. In other locations, parking changes may occur by time of day. Along Eastern Avenue and Fleet Street some of the alternatives would allow parking during off-peak hours but restrict parking during peak hours. The impacts to parking for all Red Line alternatives will be provided in the DEIS.

114. How will the Red Line affect the safety and flow of pedestrian movement?

The MTA will work with Baltimore City, Baltimore County and local communities to ensure the Red Line does not negatively affect walkability in existing neighborhoods. Generally, light rail and buses can intermingle with pedestrians but crossings must be clearly identified and understood by all when transit is located on existing streets. The Red Line may change some existing pedestrian crossing locations, but if so, convenient new crossing locations will be provided.

115. How is the MTA planning to ensure the Red Line is accessible to pedestrians?

In the planning for the Red Line it is assumed that a large portion of future riders will walk to and from the stations. This requires good, comfortable and safe pedestrian routes from neighborhoods, places of work and attractions to the stations. The first goal is to place stations at locations that are within walkable distance to major transit origins and destinations. Where improvements in the pedestrian connections to a station are needed, they will be implemented in partnership with Baltimore City, Baltimore County and the State Highway Administration or potentially with private partners. "Walkability" is a broad goal that needs broad support to be successful. Suggestions for walkability improvements in communities can be made throughout the planning stage.

116. Will the Red Line change the way I access my home or business?

The Red Line will not eliminate access to any home or business. However, certain alternatives for the Red Line may change the way individual motorists access their home or business. The MTA will identify any such possibilities and work with residents or businesses to ensure access is maintained.

117. Will the construction of any of the Red Line alternatives affect where cars can make turns?

Possibly. In general, right turns or left turns at signalized intersections will not be impacted. In certain Red Line alternatives, left turns at some unsignalized intersections may have to be eliminated for safety reasons. Median openings may be closed to protect motorists from crossing the transitway in the middle of a block.