April MDOT Insider: Celebrating Safety and Staying Connected

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April 2025, MDOT Insider

Welcome to the April edition of MDOT Insider—your community connection to the Maryland Department of Transportation!

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on two important safety observances— Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. Whether it’s taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds or driving too fast through a work zone, small actions can have serious consequences. At MDOT, we’re committed to protecting everyone who travels or works on Maryland’s roadways.

In this month’s issue, you’ll find project updates, opportunities to connect with our teams, and practical safety tips you can use right now. Let’s continue working together to make Maryland’s roads safer. Every action matters and every life counts.


Check Out the Latest MDOT Insider Video

MDOT Insited Video

New Blog Post: MDOT Introduces New Process for Maryland Counties to Share Transportation Priorities

Each year, Maryland counties identify and share their transportation priorities with the Maryland Department of Transportation to help inform the development of the agency’s capital budget, also known as the Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP). This year, we are adding a new online option for localities to send in their requests. We are also extending the filing deadline.  

Here’s what you need to know about the process.

Read More 


News You Can Use!

1000 Certfied

Celebrating 10,000 Certified Firms in Maryland!

Exciting news from MDOT’s Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE)—there are now 10,000 certified firms across Maryland’s small, minority, and women-owned business programs! As Maryland’s official certification agency, MDOT is proud to host one of the largest directories of certified firms in the nation. This milestone reflects our commitment to creating opportunities and ensuring that small and diverse firms can fairly compete for state and federally funded contracts, helping to drive economic growth and job creation in Maryland.

Learn More


Federal

Recently Impacted by Federal Layoffs? MDOT Is Here to Help!

If you're a federal employee affected by recent layoffs, the Maryland Department of Transportation encourages you to explore a rewarding new chapter in public service with us. Whether your expertise is in engineering, planning, administration, or customer service, your skills are highly transferable and valued at MDOT. Browse our Federal Worker Support Guide today!

 

Learn More


SHA

SHA Leads the Way in Inclusive

Trail Development

The State Highway Administration (SHA) is paving the way for inclusive outdoor recreation with the opening of Maryland’s first adaptive mountain biking trail in Patapsco Valley State Park. This five-mile trail features wider, smoother surfaces to support adaptive equipment, along with enhanced signage for navigation and safety. Additionally, the trail offers improved access through dedicated parking and facilities. The project was made possible by a grant awarded to the nonprofit Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, which used the funding to create a space that welcomes individuals of all physical abilities. For those looking to enhance mobility and access in their communities, applications for the Recreational Trails Program and the Transportation Alternatives Program are open until April 30, 2025.

Learn More


SunFlower

BWI Marshall Airport Launches Sunflower Program for Travelers with Hidden Disabilities

Starting May 14, BWI Marshall Airport will introduce the globally recognized Sunflower Program, designed to support travelers with non-visible disabilities such as autism, hearing loss, anxiety, chronic pain, and other non-apparent disabilities and conditions. Passengers who may need additional assistance while traveling can choose to wear a sunflower lanyard, badge, or wristband to discreetly signal their need for extra support. These items will be available at customer service desks in the airport’s pre-security areas. Learn more about how the Sunflower Program is making travel more inclusive.

Learn More


MTA Police

MTA Police Is Hiring –

Join the Force!

Looking for a career in law enforcement? The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Police Department is hosting open recruitment and testing for entry-level recruits on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, May 4 at MTA Police Headquarters in Baltimore. Walk-ins are welcome starting at 8:00 a.m.

The process includes a written test, physical agility assessment, oral interview, and pre-background screening. Candidates should allow up to six hours and come prepared with athletic attire and valid photo I.D.

Learn More


MTA Redline

Meet the People of the Red Line

Get to know the voices behind the vision. The People of the Red Line is a monthly video series spotlighting individuals, organizations, and institutions that live, work, and play along the future Red Line corridor. These stories show how the project will connect communities and improve lives.

Watch Here


Purple Line

Get Involved with the Purple Line Project

Community Advisory Teams (CATs) are helping shape the Purple Line by connecting residents, local leaders, and project staff for ongoing dialogue and updates. Public meetings, city council briefings, and CAT sessions ensure your voice is heard.

 

Learn More


Community Connection: Opportunities to Engage with MDOT

This section of our newsletter is dedicated to sharing opportunities for you to engage with MDOT and learn more about the projects and initiatives that impact our communities. See the list below for opportunities to engage with us this month!

Connect with the Maryland Transportation Authority’s Key Bridge Rebuild engagement team to ask questions and get project updates.

Maryland Day 2025
University of Maryland—College Park
April 26, 2025
10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Connect with The Secretary’s Office to learn more about MDOT’s programs, services and resources.

Kinderfest
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
April 26, 2025
Noon- 5 p.m.

Springfest— College and Career Readiness Fair
(Key Bridge Rebuild Team and the Maryland Port Administration also will be in attendance.)
Holabird Middle School
1701 Delvale Ave.,
Baltimore, MD 21222
May 9, 2025
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Connect with the Maryland Transportation Authority’s Bay Crossing Study engagement team to learn more about alternatives for improving travel across Chesapeake Bay.

2nd Annual LABF Autism Awareness Fishing Tournament
Sandy Point Marina (Sandy Point State Park)
1100 E College Pkwy.,
Annapolis, MD
April 27, 2025
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing valuable information about all that MDOT has to offer. Be sure to check this section monthly to see where we’ll be!


MTA’s Citizens Advisory Committee

Want to help shape the future of Maryland’s transit system? Join the MTA Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC)! The CAC is a group of volunteers who provide feedback to MTA on transit issues and services across Maryland. Members share their insights and concerns to help MTA improve public transportation options for everyone in the community. To learn more or apply, visit here.

Adopt-A-Highway Program

Help keep Maryland’s highways clean, safe, and beautiful by participating in the Adopt-A-Highway Program. This initiative invites individuals, businesses, and community groups to take an active role in maintaining a designated section of roadway by picking up litter and ensuring it stays pristine. Ready to Get Involved? Learn more and sign up here.


Stay Focused. Stay Safe.

Stay Safe

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and MDOT reminds all Marylanders that even a split-second distraction behind the wheel can have life-altering consequences. From texting and eating to adjusting the radio or GPS, distracted driving puts everyone at risk. The good news? It’s 100% preventable. Here are a few simple tips to help you drive distraction-free and protect yourself and others on the road.

  1. Put your phone away Silence it, stash it in the glovebox, or use "Do Not Disturb" mode while driving.
  2. Set your GPS before you go Program directions and choose your playlist or podcast before you hit the road.
  3. Don’t eat and drive Spilled coffee or dropped snacks can be just as distracting as a text message.
  4. Keep both hands on the wheel Avoid multitasking like grooming, reaching for items, or adjusting controls while driving.
  5. Speak up as a passenger Help drivers stay focused—if they’re distracted, offer to handle the phone or navigation.

For more information about distracted driving prevention, click here.

Show Your Support on Go Orange Day – April 23! Join the State Highway Administration for Go Orange Day on Wednesday, April 23, to raise awareness for roadway safety! Wear orange, snap a photo, and share it on social media with #GoOrangeMD in your post. Want more information about Work Zone Safety Week? Visit here.


Ways to Get Involved with MDOT

MTA’s Citizens Advisory Committee

Want to help shape the future of Maryland’s transit system? Join the MTA Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC)! The CAC is a group of volunteers who provide feedback to MTA on transit issues and services across Maryland. Members share their insights and concerns to help MTA improve public transportation options for everyone in the community. To learn more or apply, visit here.  

Adopt-A-Highway Program

Help keep Maryland’s highways clean, safe, and beautiful by participating in the Adopt-A-Highway Program. This initiative invites individuals, businesses, and community groups to take an active role in maintaining a designated section of roadway by picking up litter and ensuring it stays pristine. Ready to Get Involved? Learn more and sign up here.


Safety Message of the Month

Safety starts with protection— For survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment, keeping a home address private can be lifesaving. Maryland’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) helps individuals and families shield their location information from public records, offering peace of mind and a pathway to stability. If you or someone you know is at risk, explore available resources through the ACP program. Visit here for more information.