In compliance with Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 U.S.C. § 303(c)), hereinafter referred to as “Section 4(f),” and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) implementing Section 4(f) regulations (23 CFR Part 774). FHWA in cooperation with Baltimore City’s Department of Transportation (BCDOT) provides public notice of its proposal to make a de minimis impact finding under Section 4(f) regarding the effects of the proposed Key Highway at Light Street Intersection Improvements on a portion of the Inner Harbor property along Key Highway adjacent to Rash Field, and to provide the opportunity for public review and comment of this proposed determination.

The scope of work consists of reconstruction of the intersection to improve traffic and pedestrian safety, along with reconstruction of Key Highway between Light Street and Battery Avenue. Sidewalks will be reconstructed to ADA compliance. The project also includes signal upgrades, landscaping, and extension of the existing Gwynns Falls Trail along Key Highway between William Street and Covington Street.

Work within the Recreation and Parks property consists of driveway and ADA ramp adjustments, improvements to the Gwynns Falls Trail, replacement of trees that are in poor health and planting of additional trees and grass areas.

The proposed de minimis impact finding is based on coordination with the officials with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) and BCDOT. The officials with jurisdiction are Federal or designated State agencies that own and/or administer the affected portion of the property protected by Section 4(f). The officials have been notified of FHWA’s intent to make de minimis impact findings. Should the officials with jurisdiction concur, FHWA will issue a finding of de minimis impact.

Pursuant to 23 CFR 774.5(b)(2), notice is hereby provided of the proposed de minimis finding determinations. Comments regarding the proposed Section 4(f) de minimis impact findings may be submitted to FHWA and BCDOT in writing or through the BCDOT website during the 15-day comment period; the comment deadline is November 16, 2015, which is also posted on the city website.

Click here to view rendering showing the improvements with the proposed impact.

Written comments may be provided to:

Baltimore City Department of Transportation
417 E. Fayette Street, 5th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
ATTN: Key Highway at Light Street Intersection Improvements