The Maryland Department of Transportation is celebrating the two-year anniversary of its Complete Streets Policy, a department-wide commitment to building safer, more accessible and equitable transportation networks for everyone, including people walking, biking, rolling, riding transit and driving.

Efforts from the Complete Streets Policy helped reduce fatal crashes by 18 percent statewide in 2025 compared with 2024. The largest gains were seen among people who walk, bike and roll.

"Two years in, the Complete Streets Policy is delivering real results for Maryland communities," said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. "By prioritizing safety, accessibility and multimodal connectivity, we're building a transportation system that works better for everyone."

Adopted in June 2024, the policy established a framework that requires transportation projects to be planned, designed and implemented with all users in mind. It reflects Maryland's commitment to safety, public health, economic vitality, environmental stewardship and equitable access.

Across the state, visible improvements are under way, including expanded sidewalks, safer crossings, corridor redesigns, quick-build safety projects and enhanced data tools. The Maryland Department of Transportation has focused on embedding Complete Streets principles into project planning, design and decision-making throughout each of its modes.

"The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration's commitment to the Complete Streets initiative is demonstrated through the work of the safety-focused projects being developed and delivered across Maryland that support the mobility needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and all highway users," said SHA Administrator Will Pines. "This initiative offers the guidance and tools necessary for SHA to provide a safe, connected and accessible transportation system that our customers can rely on."

Major achievements during first two years of Complete Streets Policy include:

• 1,300 crosswalks upgraded, reconstructed 11.26 mi. of sidewalks and built 13.34 mi. of new sidewalks to enhance the safety for all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists;

• 23 projects in various corridors were identified for safety improvements as part of the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP). Projects are in various planning, design and implementation stages, with construction completion expected this fall on the first PSAP project on MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) in Montgomery and Prince George's counties;

• 10 Quick-build safety projects across the state, designed for short-term, easily implementable projects to pilot innovative improvements and address existing vulnerable road user safety needs;

• More than $500 million investment in active transportation projects programmed into the Department's six-year capital budget; and

• A new Maryland Transportation Trails Strategic Plan, updated in 2025 for the first time in 16 years.

Complete Streets also supports Maryland's Vision Zero goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries on Maryland roadways by 2030. Pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities dropped 33 percent and motorcyclist fatalities declined 46 percent from 2024-2025, reflecting targeted investments in high-risk corridors and a focus on reducing behaviors most likely to lead to serious crashes.

"Maryland remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries across the state's transportation network," said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Gov. Wes Moore's highway safety representative. "While the progress made over the past two years is encouraging, there is still important work ahead. Every road user has a role to play in improving safety. That means slowing down, driving and riding sober, staying focused behind the wheel or handlebars, and sharing the road responsibly with everyone — including pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists."

The policy's successful implementation reflects a cultural shift toward designing a transportation system that protects, connects and serves every Marylander, according to MDOT. Complete Streets is part of the Maryland Department of Transportation Serious About Safety initiative, a department-wide commitment to advance improvements that drive safety goals and save lives.