Highways - Sidewalks and Bicycle Pathways - Construction and Reconstruction
Summary
HB628 revises Maryland’s transportation law governing when and how sidewalks and bicycle pathways are built or rebuilt along State highways. The bill requires the State Highway Administration to prioritize funding for sidewalk and bicycle pathway projects that are on, or adjacent to, highways covered by a complete streets policy or a similar Vision Zero program. It also keeps the existing framework that sidewalks are generally required when urban highways are constructed or reconstructed, while clarifying how local governments must request funding for stand-alone sidewalk or bike-path projects through their annual priority letters for the Consolidated Transportation Program.
The bill changes the cost-sharing rules for certain projects. In some cases, the State may fund all or most of the work, including projects in sustainable communities, priority funding areas, or where the Administration finds a substantial public safety risk or major pedestrian-access problem. It also requires local governments to provide public notice and community involvement for certain projects, secure needed right-of-way, and continue to maintain and repair completed sidewalks and bicycle pathways, subject to limited reimbursement for major reconstruction. The bill further protects existing pedestrian routes from being severed without a reasonable alternative and directs the Administration to develop joint guidelines with local governments.
Impact
HB628 amends § 8-630 of the Transportation Article, affecting State Highway Administration funding decisions, local government project requests, and maintenance responsibilities for sidewalks and bicycle pathways. It expands the State’s ability to pay for, or prioritize, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in designated planning areas and safety-focused corridors, while also formalizing the process by which local governments seek inclusion of these projects in the State transportation program. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad bipartisan support and little visible opposition in the available record. It passed the House overwhelmingly, 132-2, and the Senate unanimously, 42-0, indicating strong agreement with its transportation-safety and multimodal-access goals. The committee report was favorable with amendments, suggesting the measure was generally well received but refined during the legislative process.
Contention
No committee transcript is available, so specific debated issues are not documented in the provided materials. The main points that could have generated discussion are the bill’s funding priorities and cost-sharing rules, especially the shift toward greater State financial responsibility in sustainable communities, priority funding areas, and safety-driven projects. Another potential area of concern is the requirement that local governments provide notice, community involvement, and right-of-way for certain projects, along with the ongoing maintenance obligation placed on local jurisdictions after construction.
Provides that a town may not direct abutting property owners to maintain sidewalks which abut county highways or which are not directly accessible from such owner's property.
Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Continue Working With The City And County Of Honolulu To Efficiently Transfer The Roads Within The Villages Of Kapolei To The City And County Of Honolulu.