BALTIMORE, MD (May 12, 2014) – Today, Mayor Rawlings-Blake was joined by Department of Transportation Director William M. Johnson, area residents and community leaders to announce the City’s progress in roadway improvements for neighborhoods throughout Baltimore. Despite City budget constraints, the Department of Transportation is maintaining its milling and paving efforts by using in-house forces to improve Baltimore’s roadways. Today’s event also marked the official start of the 2014 paving season.

“With the neighborhood paving initiative, the City is committed to using our resources effectively and efficiently for the benefit of residents in every community throughout Baltimore,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “As we work to grow Baltimore by 10,000 families in the next decade, we must ensure that our roadways are safe and easily assessable.”
Traditionally, resurfacing projects were completed by using contractor forces. Through the Department of Transportation’s neighborhood paving initiative, in-house crews are trained to mill and pave roadways throughout the city at a fraction of the cost. The work performed by in-house crews allows the city to extend its capital dollars dedicated to roadway management.

“The Department of Transportation is working to improve our roadway infrastructure in communities throughout the city,” said Director Johnson. “The neighborhood paving initiative will allow us to invest in Baltimore’s communities by providing residents the means for safe and efficient travel.”