North Avenue, the second most traveled bus route in Baltimore, received a $10 million grant on July 29 from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This will aid the $27.3 million North Avenue Rising Project which aims to create jobs and provide essential services to low-income residents.
“After decades of lack of investment, North Avenue and the surrounding communities will get the long overdue attention they deserve,” Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement. The project is part of Hogan’s BaltimoreLink plan which will add 12 new color-coded bus routes and redesign the bus system.
The grant is part of the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program, and it will fund upgrades to MTA’s Penn Station Metro Subway and Light Rail stations, roadway re-pavement, dedicated bus lanes, new bike lanes, traffic signal prioritization and improved sidewalks and major bus stops. The North Avenue Rising project is also funded by the city of Baltimore and the Federal Highway Administration.
“North Avenue is one of BaltimoreLink’s key transit corridors that will link residents to jobs and education,” Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn said in a statement.
North Avenue sees nearly 4 million passengers each year, and it connects both the MTA’s Metro Subway and the Light Rail transit systems. It is essential to both Coppin State University and Maryland Institute College of Art. Many consider this a vital travel route as it connects East and West Baltimore. It also brings people to historic neighborhoods, schools, and jobs across the city.
“I am pleased that we can move forward with our local and federal partners to implement an efficient, effective transportation plan to improve the lives of many Baltimore residents in this important job corridor. This investment will produce much-needed economic revitalization in this important area,” said Hogan.