Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's plan to expand I-270 and Beltway has growing public support

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - There is new evidence that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan's plan to expand I-270 and the Beltway has growing public support.

Hogan has been arguing for months that Marylanders who use I-270, the Beltway and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway are sick of sitting in traffic, but local Democratic leaders have argued against his plan to widen and toll the roads.

According to a new Washington Post poll, the majority of the public in Montgomery County is siding with Hogan.

Regionally, 61 percent say they endorse Hogan's plan to add express lanes with adjustable tolls to the Beltway and I-270, while keeping the existing lanes free.

Meanwhile, in Prince George's County, that number dips a bit to 48 percent. Why? Well, if you look at the poll, they found 8 in 10 residents are concerned the changeable toll lanes would be too expensive.

The governor tells FOX 5, either way you look at it, in his view, this is a clear public endorsement of his plan to widen I-270 and the Beltway.

Democratic county leaders, including Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, have ramped up opposition to the governor's plan, citing environmental and eminent domain.

FOX 5 heard from Elrich's spokesman Monday, but we are still waiting on a response from the county executive.