Van Hollen Calls on National Park Service to Take Immediate Action to Improve BW Parkway Conditions

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) sent a letter to National Park Service Acting Director Dan Smith urging immediate action to remedy the poor driving conditions on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

Senator Van Hollen writes, “I am writing on behalf of my constituents regarding the unacceptable driving conditions on parts of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. It is an unsafe situation that needs to be remedied immediately through expedited action by the National Park Service and its federal partners.”

He continues, “My constituents have reported that the current road conditions have caused unnecessary congestion, crashes, and debris. NPS Superintendent Matthew Carroll informed my staff that full reconstruction of this portion of the Parkway, including extensive mill and overlay, will begin in late summer 2019. This timeline is unacceptable. Lowering the speed limit is not an adequate substitute for repair, and it will not ensure the safety of Maryland commuters and other vehicles on this heavily traveled highway.

The Senator closes the letter stating, “In order to protect the public safety it is essential that you work with the Federal Highway Administration to accelerate this schedule. I look forward to your response. If there are any reasons why you cannot start these repairs immediately, please let me know what they are so that we can work together to address them.”

A copy of the letter is available here and the full text is available below:

Dear Mr. Smith:

I am writing on behalf of my constituents regarding the unacceptable driving conditions on parts of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. It is an unsafe situation that needs to be remedied immediately through expedited action by the National Park Service and its federal partners. 

 As you know, the National Park Service recently lowered the speed limit on the BW Parkway between MD Routes 197 and 32 to 40 miles per hour in order for drivers to be able to react to the poor road conditions. Other short-term solutions such as filling in potholes with asphalt have been ineffective and this road remains hazardous for drivers.

My constituents have reported that the current road conditions have caused unnecessary congestion, crashes, and debris. NPS Superintendent Matthew Carroll informed my staff that full reconstruction of this portion of the Parkway, including extensive mill and overlay, will begin in late summer 2019. This timeline is unacceptable. Lowering the speed limit is not an adequate substitute for repair, and it will not ensure the safety of Maryland commuters and other vehicles on this heavily traveled highway.

In order to protect the public safety it is essential that you work with the Federal Highway Administration to accelerate this schedule. I look forward to your response. If there are any reasons why you cannot start these repairs immediately, please let me know what they are so that we can work together to address them.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

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