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Charles Street Reconstruction Will
Make A Big Difference
Begun in 1999, the reconstruction project aims to improve Charles Street, one of the city's most important and historic thoroughfares. These improvements -- in access, safety, and enhancements -- will better showcase the many assets and landmarks that make Charles Street notable.
Summary of Project Meeting, 3-15-2012
Benefits of the Construction
-- Improved pedestrian and bike safety
-- More balanced vehicular traffic patterns
-- Enhanced character and beauty of the area
What to Expect
-- Changes in the traffic patterns
-- Public transit routes diversion; routes 3,11,61 will be diverted
-- Increased noise, but it will be monitored
-- RPP (residential parking permit) parking spaces will be maintained; the number of unrestricted parking spots will decrease
-- Emergency vehicle routes will be maintained
-- Business will stay openMaps of the 4 phases: 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4
Questions Asked
Will rush hour restriction be restored on Howard, St. Paul, Maryland, etc?
-- At this time, they are not planning to revive the rush hour restrictions. They plan to monitor the traffic in the first weeks of the construction and will make determinations if anything needs to change. They are hoping that they will not need to do this. Traffic Calming Committee will continue to monitor.
Was Charles St south of 25th part of this project?
-- No. Charles St south of 25th was independent of the Charles St. Reconstruction.
Is Charles St south of 25th St finished? Some neighbors have mentioned that it seems bumpy.
-- It is finished. (The gentleman seemed shocked that it was referred to as "bumpy.")
When will the bus routes be diverted?
-- Bus routes will be diverted at the very last moment possible. They hope to maintain normal routes as long as possible. More specific dates will be set once there is a start date for the reconstruction.
What is the Charles Street Reconstruction Project and Why is it Important?
The goals of the Charles Street Reconstruction Project are to create more balanced traffic patterns, increase pedestrian and bicycle safety, upgrade aging infrastructure, improve signage, support business revitalization, and enhance the character and beauty of the area. The project area is on Charles Street (a designated National Scenic Byway) from 25th Street to University Parkway. This is a $28 million project led by the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, using federal and local funds and a contribution by the Johns Hopkins University.
The Baltimore City DOT will soon break ground for the Charles St. Reconstruction project, from 25th St. to University Parkway. Construction commences in Spring 2012 with a completion goal of Summer 2014.
Be Safe and Stay Informed:
· Be aware of detour signs
· Reduce vehicle speeds
· Check the DOT project web site for updates (www.charlesstreetreconstruction.com)
· Share project information with your neighbors
· Learn more by attending public meetings or requesting DOT officials to present information to your community group or organization
Information Resources for the Charles Street Reconstruction Project
For up-to-date information, route maps, and project history, please visit the project web site at www.charlesstreetreconstruction.com.
For construction information, please contact Rick McGraw at (410) 396-6913 or at
rick.mcgraw@baltimorecity.gov
For project information, please contact Mary Colleen Buettner at (443) 984-4095 or
at mary.buettner@baltimorecity.gov
For information about alternate modes of travel, please contact Tierra Brown at (410) 396-7665 or at tierra.brown@baltimorecity.gov
Download the entire DOT Project Brochure here
Link here to the Reconstruction web site.
Recent SUN article about the project.
