Baltimore, MD (October 27, 2015) - Today Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was joined by Department of Transportation Director William Johnson, Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, Johns Hopkins and community representatives to announce the completion of the Charles Street Reconstruction Project.

“We are delighted to celebrate the completion of construction along Charles Street,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “Charles Street is such an important part of Baltimore in so many ways. Not only does it connect us to many prominent institutions, but it also carries about 20,000 motorists daily in and out of the City.”

Charles Street between 25th Street and University Parkway was recently reconstructed to provide safer and more efficient vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle travel. Improvements included pavement reconstruction, new sidewalks, curbs and gutters, new street and pedestrian lighting, new traffic signals, bike lanes and ADA compliant ramps. The Department of Transportation also worked with the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts to create a unique art plaza within the public right-of-way.

“The reconstruction of Charles Street brings significant improvements to a major thoroughfare in Baltimore City,” said Director Johnson. “We worked closely with local stakeholders throughout the project in order to provide the much needed traffic safety improvements.”

The total cost of the reconstruction project was $28 million, 80% of which was paid for using federal funds and 20% from local funds. Johns Hopkins worked with the city and contributed nearly $2.5 million in local funds to the project, which demonstrates the importance of successful public/private partnerships.

Construction began in July, 2012 and was completed this October.