The Maryland DOT (MDOT) and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) this week announced four private-sector teams responded to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to be the developer of the state's I-495 (Capital Beltway) & I-270 Public-Private Partnership (P3) Program Phase 1.
The Phase 1 Developer will be responsible for designing, building, financing, operating, and maintaining managed lanes in Phase 1 of the project.
Following the Jan. 8 Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) vote amending its earlier designation of the I-495 & I-270 P3 Program to advance with a proposed competitive solicitation process, MDOT and MDTA issued the RFQ on Feb. 7 to identify the most highly qualified teams seeking to be shortlisted as potential Phase Developers for Phase 1 of the P3 Program.
“Partnering with the private sector is key to delivering for the businesses and residents of Maryland in the months and years to come. The bottleneck at the American Legion Bridge has been a top regional mobility issue for decades and this is one step closer to addressing it,” Maryland Transportation Secretary Greg Slater said in a statement. “This project will create jobs, connect people to employment centers, provide a critical bike and pedestrian connection to the C&O Canal and expand transit opportunities in collaboration with our local government partners.”
MDOT and MDTA plan to select a preferred Phase Developer and recommend a Phase 1 Agreement to the BPW for its review and approval late Spring or early Summer 2021.
Phase 1 of the P3 Program would improve I-495 from the vicinity of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia, across and including the American Legion Bridge to the I-270 west spur, and I-270 from I-495 to I-70. I-495 from the vicinity of the George Washington Memorial Parkway to the I-270 west spur, and the I-270 west spur to I-370, will be delivered first. I-270 from I-370 to I-70 will be delivered after I-270 between I-495 and I-370.
The Phase 1 solicitation process is running concurrent with the I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Study, which continues to evaluate a no-build alternative and range of managed lanes alternatives. I-270 from I-370 to I-70 is undergoing a separate environmental review process.
The four teams that responded to the RFQ include Accelerate MarylandExpress Partners, Accelerate Maryland Partners LLC, Capital Express Mobility Partners, and Potomac Mobility Group.
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SOURCE: Maryland DOT