The proposed Intercounty Connector (ICC) project is intended to link existing and proposed development areas between I-270 and I-95/US 1 corridors within central and eastern Montgomery County and northwestern Prince George’s County with a state-of-the-art, east-west highway that limits access and accommodates passenger and goods movement. This transportation project is intended to increase community mobility and safety; to facilitate the movement of goods and people to and from economic centers; to provide cost-effective transportation infrastructure to serve existing and future development patterns reflecting local land use planning objectives; to help restore the natural, human and cultural environments from past development impacts in the project area, and to advance homeland security.
Where is the Study Area?
The Study Area encompasses an area of mixed land uses extending from I-270 to I-95/US 1 and from the Capital Beltway (I-495) to the Patuxent River. To view pictures of the Study Area click here.
What does the current study plan include?
Additionally, the SHA will host public Open Houses throughout the project. The SHA introduced potential alternatives in the fall of 2003. Extensive public involvement outreach including public forums, newsletters, and information centers will also be included in the study.
What does streamlining mean?
In February 2003, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta approved the ICC environmental study. Under the new streamlined policy, the NEPA study is scheduled for completion in two years.
Having agencies work concurrently and resolve controversies in a collaborative and timely manner will make the environmental review process more effective and efficient. SHA remains committed to the principles of environmental stewardship and looks, not to short-circuit the review process, but to improve upon it in a comprehensive fashion.
One of the SHA’s primary goals is to protect and enhance Maryland’s natural, cultural and human resources. Our policy is to meet or exceed the requirements of environmental laws and regulations as applicable to MDOT activities. To that end, we incorporate environmental protection measures into all of our activities – from planning to construction to maintenance of our facilities. Our comprehensive and progressive environmental protection programs are among the best in the country.
What is the Purpose & Need?
Under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the lead agencies have the authority for and responsibility to define the project “purpose and need.” For the ICC project, the lead agency is the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the sponsoring agency is the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA). For a summary of the Purpose and Need, click here. The study team requested input on the Purpose and Need Statement from the federal and state regulatory agencies. The Purpose and Need Statement (P&N) is also available on this site (view Purpose and Need)