According to the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), the transportation challenges facing communities throughout Maryland today changed significantly over the years, creating a need for new tools and processes for implementing effective solutions. Although those challenges loom large, MDOT SHA is finding a growing opportunity to deliver safer and more efficient transportation alternatives to Maryland residents. To bring awareness to MDOT SHA’s approach to these challenges, the department created a “Context Driven” guide, which incorporates context into the project development process. By developing tools and processes outlined in this $1 million guide, MDOT SHA is striking the appropriate balance between the access needs created by the surrounding land-use and the mobility needs of both local and regional travelers. Additionally, MDOT SHA is confronting the connectivity challenges found throughout Maryland.