(August 6, 2010) – Starting next week, area commuters can help reduce the carbon footprint by sharing a ride!  On Monday, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will open a new ridesharing lot on MD 355 (Market Street) in the City of Frederick.

 

The new lot will provide 110 spaces and is located near the intersection of MD 355 with Monocacy Boulevard.  The new ridesharing lot is part of the $105.1 million I-70/MD 85 interchange project which replaced the bridge on MD 355 (Market Street) over I-70 and constructed a new interchange on MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike) at I-70.

 

“Ridesharing saves money, improves traffic operations and reduces pollutants in the air by taking vehicles off the road,” said Dave Coyne, SHA District 7 Engineer.  “SHA encourages motorists to take advantage of the new spaces.”

 

Last year SHA expanded the existing 164 space ridesharing lot on MD 80, adding 139 parking spaces.  The project was constructed by Dewey Jordan Inc. of Frederick.  Those who have questions about traffic operations on I-70, MD 85, MD 355, or other State numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119. 

 

This initiative supports the efforts of the Smart, Green and Growing initiative introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley in 2008 to strengthen the state’s leadership role in fostering smarter, more sustainable growth and inspiring action among all Marylanders to achieve a more sustainable future. The initiative brings together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to create more livable communities, improve transportation options, reduce the state’s carbon footprint, support resource based industry, invest in green technologies, preserve valuable resource lands and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

 

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