HAGERSTOWN – Hagerstown City Council members would like to see Interstate 81 widened, and the mayor, in fact, said it’s long overdue. That priority came up as the council chose key transportation priorities this week to submit to the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Recognizing the highway’s current challenges with congestion and high accident rates, city officials stressed the urgency of widening the heavily trafficked I-81 corridor.
Mayor William McIntyre underscored the importance of this initiative, stating, “Interstate 81 is a hazardous highway with significant commercial traffic. It should have been widened decades ago, so we’re pleased the state has prioritized this project.”
Maintaining highway user revenues remains another vital concern for the council. These revenues provide crucial funding for Hagerstown to maintain and upgrade local roads effectively. City Engineer Jim Bender presented details of the city’s road maintenance strategy, which involves several processes, which are essential to prolonging road lifespans and ensuring safer travel.
Pedestrian safety and mobility enhancements, particularly within downtown Hagerstown, were also strongly advocated. To facilitate safe pedestrian travel, the city has planned multiple pedestrian-friendly upgrades, including improved intersection lighting and completed sidewalks along Dual Highway. These improvements not only enhance safety but also reflect the city’s commitment to creating accessible, walkable urban environments.
Railroad crossings have been highlighted as safety concerns affecting motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The city is engaging with railroad companies to address maintenance issues and clarify rights-of-way to improve overall safety and ease of travel.
Hagerstown officials said they also support the Eastern Boulevard widening project in Washington County and Safe Routes to School initiatives to advocate for safe travel for school children. Investments in bikeways and alternative transportation methods were emphasized as essential to Hagerstown’s vision for expanded mobility options, as a part of this report to the state.
Enhancing MARC Train services was a significant addition to this year’s transportation priorities. The city council unanimously endorsed proposals to expand MARC Train services between Hagerstown and surrounding communities, recognizing commuter rail as a valuable asset for economic growth and community connectivity. Ideally, this extension would connect residents via Frederick or Martinsburg, significantly enhancing transit options to the Washington, D.C., metro area. “While not an easy task, this service is something we will continue advocating for,” Bender added.
These priorities will be submitted to MDOT, which annually compiles and reviews requests from municipalities across the state for planning transportation projects. MDOT intends to visit Hagerstown later this year to assess these local priorities and provide updates on their integration into the state’s transportation plan.
