Prospects for 2011 ICC opening appear bright
In their officials statements, Maryland officials continue to estimate that the second and most important phases of the Intercounty Connector will open late this year or early in 2012. But having had favorable weather for much of the spring and summer, they are showing signs of optimism that the section completing the link between Interstate 270 and Interstate 95 will open sometime this year.
"We're optimistic about this year," said ICC project spokesman Ray Feldmann. He said officials might have a better fix on the opening date later this month.
The section of the $2.6 billion ICC between Interstate 370 (which feeds into I-270) and Georgia Avenue opened early this year. Contractors are working on the section between Georgia and I-95. Two other phases of the toll road project -- building feeder roads from I-95 and an extension to U.S. 1 -- have been deferred.
Comments
Oh, great. Now we're almost certain to get hit by three hurricanes and a repeat of the December 2009 blizzard.
Posted by: GreenMeansGo | August 11, 2011 1:17 PM
Great news! I CANNOT WAIT for the ICC to be completed at I-95. It will make our trip from NE Balt Co to my in-laws' house which is 10 min from the I-370 connect point MUCH easier. I'll pay any toll they want if it means I never have to travel on I-495 again.
Thanks for closely following the progess of the ICC!
Posted by: SZ | August 11, 2011 3:57 PM
Passing by the site on the northbound #995 bus, I can't help but notice an overhead EXIT: I-95 SOUTH sign on the bridge overhead that faces traffic heading West on the ICC, and a cloverleaf linking from the bridge to 95 South. If the ICC's construction funding east of I-95 is still totally TBD, aren't these components unneeded for years to come and thus wasteful?
Posted by: AJ | August 12, 2011 11:09 AM
From my point of view, too much money and effort being put into planting trees/plants along ICC. The landscape can be used for bigger/wider roads/lanes. Having said that I think ICC is the most beautiful TOLL ROAD. I have been on the Dulles, Delaware, and NJ toll roads, but they are not even comparable. Although it is quite expensive, I think it's worth very penny to save me 30 minutes a day from 370 to 95 and back. I cannot wait for the 2nd section (Georgia Ave to 95) is complete.
COMMENT: The landscaping is one of the reasons the ICC isn't just another ugly highway. It's llso part of the deal environmental mitigation package that allowed the ICC to be buillt.--MTD
Posted by: T3 | October 12, 2011 1:25 PM