Bel Air Man Named Chief Engineer For MDTA

MARYLAND — A Bel Air man has been named chief engineer for the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). The agency oversees the state's eight toll roads.

William Pines was officially given the title this week, after he had been acting chief engineer for nearly a year; he took over that role in April.

"The MDTA is fortunate to have such a proven expert directing our Office of Engineering and Construction," MDTA Executive Director James F. Ports Jr. said in a statement.

Pines, who is a licensed professional engineer (P.E.), has been a leader at the MDTA since he joined the agency in 2012, officials said, managing everything from inspections to bridges and tunnels.

He has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Maryland College Park and a master's in management from the University of Maryland University College.

At the MDTA, he has served as deputy director of engineering and as director of project development, managing the northbound extension of the I-95 Express Toll Lanes, I-895 bridge updates and the Nice Bridge replacement.

In his role as chief engineer, Pines will provide executive direction for the design, construction and inspection of the state's toll facilities, including more than 300 bridges, two tunnels, 50 miles of expressway and the Inter-County Connector.

Pines said he was "humbled and honored" to lead the MDTA Office of Engineering and Construction.

"Together, we will direct our passion and expertise to provide Marylanders with the safe, efficient and reliable travel they deserve," Pines said in a statement.

In addition to working at the MDTA, Pines has participated in regional transportation initiatives like serving on the selection committee for the District Department of Transportation’s Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge Replacement and as a panelist evaluating suspension bridges for the ongoing National Cooperative Highway Research Program.