Local leaders demand urgent plan to manage truck traffic

During a recent government meeting, local officials discussed the significant impact of the Key Bridge collapse on the Dundalk area, particularly concerning increased truck traffic and road conditions. The Key Bridge, a vital transportation route, has forced trucks to seek alternative paths, exacerbating congestion in a region already burdened by heavy commercial traffic from the nearby Port of Baltimore and TradePoint Atlantic.

Officials highlighted that the growth of the Port and TradePoint Atlantic, which is planning to add two container berths, is beneficial for local jobs and commerce. However, the existing infrastructure in Dundalk, an older part of Baltimore County, is not equipped to handle the surge in truck traffic. The need for a comprehensive traffic management plan was emphasized, with calls for collaboration between the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), the Port, and the county's Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT).

A report presented during the meeting revealed that many roads in the 7th District of Baltimore County are in poor condition, with a heat map indicating that most roads are rated poorly. Despite the high volume of truck traffic—estimated at 3,300 trucks daily—only a limited amount of road resurfacing has been funded, raising concerns about road safety and maintenance.

In light of the Key Bridge collapse, officials expressed gratitude for the temporary suspension of tolls for trucks using alternative routes. They urged for this suspension to be made permanent once a new bridge is constructed, projected for completion in 2028. This change aims to redirect truck traffic away from local roads, ensuring safer and more efficient transportation in the Dundalk area.