Frequently Asked Questions

How was the decision made to install The Big Jump (what analysis was conducted, etc.)? 

The decision to undertake this particular pilot project was based on the crucial importance of creating a safe and comfortable connection across I-83 for people who do not or cannot drive across the bridge. The change was deemed the most feasible of the limited number of possible crossings over I-83 based on its observed traffic volumes, and due to the important recreational destinations, retail centers, and historic neighborhoods that it connects. 

This pilot project will be a real-world test of the tradeoffs necessary to increase the safety and comfort of traveling by foot or by bike in this part of Baltimore. Throughout the length of the installation, DOT will be assessing traffic operations, the facility’s use, and potential “spot improvements.” We appreciate your patience while we “test and adjust,” as we work toward or goal of balancing the safety and accessibility needs and travel-efficiency of all people who live in and travel through Baltimore.

What meetings were conducted and how was feedback gathered?

In addition to the public and community outreach that went into The Big Jump application, Baltimore City DOT conducted two public meetings, one held on April 23, 2018 at the Greenmount School and another on April 26, 2018 at the Beth Am Synagogue. Notification of the meetings were mailed and sent electronically at least two weeks prior to the meeting and robocalls were made days before the meeting dates. In addition, community groups and local and state elected officials were personally alerted to the time and location of the meetings. Each council member whose district the project passes through expressed their support for The Big Jump prior to the launch of the project. Comments on the project were taken at the meeting and an email address was provided for further comments. A website with information on the project was created prior to the meetings and can be found here: https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/engineering-construction-projec...

Northbound queues at Sisson and 29th or Wyman Park Drive/Pacific

The possibility of northbound traffic building up behind left turning vehicles under a one lane conversion is a known potential issue. We appreciate your patience while we evaluate the installation and make any needed adjustments to the intersection. One planned adjustment is to introduce a dedicated left turn signal which will help to eliminate congestion caused by left turning vehicles. If sufficient additional queues and delay are observed, DOT is ready to rapidly make additional changes to address the issue, possibly including changes to lane configuration at the intersection to accommodate more turn storage, changes to signal timing/phasing to more quickly clear left-turning vehicles, and changes to the Big Jump alignment, if other adjustments do not achieve acceptable results.

General additional delay on Druid Park Lake Drive

When any roadway change takes place, there is a period of adjustment as drivers learn which lane they need to be in, and generally make route decisions. For this reason, we would appreciate your patience as people adjust, and will conduct any necessary “after” evaluations of traffic operations at least two weeks after installation is complete.

Additionally, the speed of traffic on Druid Park Lake Drive is a well-known community safety concern; thus, a minor increase in total delay, and a moderate reduction in top speed was an anticipated outcome of this project, for the sake of safety improvements. Travel time assessments conducted after the installation and adjustment period will determine if the additional delay is significantly larger than anticipated.   

It is also to be expected that active construction will cause additional delays, due to the presence of workers, and the traffic control devices that they deploy to assure safety in the work zone. In the case of this particular project it can be hard to differentiate between work-zone related traffic delineation devices and the materials of the project itself. Some of the lane changes that are present now will not be present once the installation is complete.