All non-emergency work that would require lane closures on major roads in metropolitan areas in Maryland has been suspended from 12 noon on Friday, May 24^th until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28^th.

MDTA Police Gear Up for Memorial Day Weekend Traffic

Maryland Transportation Authority Police will be adding extra patrols to area roads for the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend.

Corporal Ed Bartlinski says that additional officers will be on the road and on the lookout for impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers as well as those not wearing seatbelts.

Bartlinski is asking beach-bound drivers to stay on US 50 and not try to beat delays by using local roads on Kent Island.

He says that some traffic apps direct motorists off US 50 and onto smaller roads, but this only adds to congestion and confusion.

Bartlinski says drivers should “park their phones” while behind the wheel, even of they are using them as a GPS device.

He says the MDTA Police have noticed an increase in rear-end crashes caused be people looking at their phones while they drive.

If you need assistance or see an emergency near the Bay Bridge or any the roads patrolled by the MDTA, Bartlinski asks that you call their central dispatch center at 410 – 537 – 7911.

In addition to US 50 near the Bay Bridge, the MDTA Police patrol I-95 near the Fort McHenry Tunnel, all of I-895, including the Harbor Tunnel, I-695 near the Key Bridge, US 40 at the Hatem Bridge at the Susquehanna River, and US 301 near the Nice Bridge at the Potomac River.

Northbound Harbor Tunnel Closed Until Mid-June

The Northbound tube of the Harbor Tunnel will be closed around-the-clock until mid-June as part of the project to rebuild two aging bridges on I-895 north of the tunnel.

The closure took place on the evening of Friday, April 12^th.

While the Northbound tube is closed, the Southbound tube will carry two-way traffic, one lane in each direction.

The travel lanes inside the tunnel will not be separated by a barrier because of space limitations inside the tube.

The Maryland Transportation Authority will rebuild the road surface inside the tunnel, and the approach and departure road surfaces on either side of the tunnel.

In addition, the entrance portals will be rehabilitated.

The tiles and the lighting inside the tunnel will also be replaced.

I-895 north of the tunnel was narrowed to one lane each way last November to replace two bridges that were originally built in the 1950’s.

I-895 drivers should expect significant delays.

The MDTA is urging all motorists to avoid I-895 and use I-95 through the Fort McHenry Tunnel or I-695, the Beltway east of Baltimore across the Key Bridge.

He also strongly suggests that those who do use I-895 to pay full time and attention while driving though the Harbor Tunnel.

The Northbound tube should reopen by mid-June.

Meanwhile…Major I-895 Construction Continues

The major project to rebuild two aging bridges on I-895 continues north of the tunnel.

The NORTHBOUND lanes of I-895 are CLOSED between the Harbor Tunnel and Boston/O'Donnell Streets.

One lane of traffic is maintained EACH WAY using the SOUTHBOUND side of I-895 south of Lombard Street.

A concrete barrier separates the directions of travel.

The exit ramp from I-95 NORTHBOUND to Holabird Avenue is CLOSED LONG TERM.

Use I-95 through the Fort McHenry Tunnel or I 695 across the Key Bridge instead.

This traffic pattern will be in place for more than a year.

Bridge Demolition and Reconstruction Continues on MD 295 in Westport

The two-year, Baltimore City Department of Transportation project to rebuild three bridges across MD 295 in South Baltimore continues.

On Tuesday, April 9th, the ramp from Waterview Avenue to MD 295 NORTHBOUND was CLOSED to traffic.

That ramp will be CLOSED for the next 3 1/2 years.

The Annapolis Road (MD 648) bridge over MD 295/B-W Parkway was closed to traffic in early March for demolition and reconstruction.

The Waterview Avenue Bridge and the pedestrian bridge just north of Waterview Ave will also be torn down and reconstructed from the ground up.

In addition, merge lanes will be added along MD 295 and the ramps in the MD 295/Waterview Avenue interchange will be reconstructed.

There will be daily lane closures each way MD 295 as part of the project.

Expect one lane to be closed in each direction, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., weather permitting.

The lane closures on MD 295 will allow space for work crews to demolish and reconstruct the bridges.

Possible alternate routes include I-95. Washington Boulevard or Hollins Ferry Road.

There is a separate detour route for trucks.

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation says this project should be completed in two years.

Long Term Lane Closures

***CONTINUING*** Anne Arundel City: PATCHING AND REPAVING – MD 100 EASTBOUND and WESTBOUND between MD 174/Quarterfield Road and Catherine Ave  – Expect overnight LANE CLOSURES from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m., Sunday nights through Monday mornings. The work crew will begin in the EASTBOUND lanes and then switch to the WESTBOUND lanes. All work should be finished by the end of June.

Anne Arundel County: MAJOR NATURAL GAS MAIN RELOCATION – MD 175 between MD 295/Baltimore-Washington Parkway and National Business Parkway.

The WESTBOUND lanes are CLOSED.

ALL TRAFFIC has been shifted onto the EASTBOUND side of the road. ONE is OPEN EACH WAY.

The ramp from MD 295 SOUTHBOUND to WESTBOUND MD 175 is now CLOSED 24/7.

These closures will remain in place, around-the-clock until further notice.

In addition, there will be overnight lane closures, Sundays through Thursdays from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning.

***COMPLETED*** Baltimore/Howard Counties: EXPANSION JOINT REPAIRS/RESURFACING – I-95 SOUTHBOUND at the Patapsco River (between I-195 and I-895).

***NEW*** Baltimore County: REPAVING – INNER and OUTER LOOPS of the Beltway (I-695) between MD 41/Perring Parkway and I-95/Rosedale – Up to TWO lanes will be CLOSED overnights, Sundays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. on Sunday until 5 a.m. The work should be finished by the end of June.

***UPDATE*** Baltimore County: REPAVING – INNER LOOP of the Beltway (I-695) between Merritt Boulevard and MD 151/North Point Boulevard – ONE lane will be CLOSED overnights, Sundays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. on Sunday until 5 a.m. The work should be finished by early June.

Baltimore County: REPAVING – MD 145/Sweet Air Road between Manor and Baldwin Mill Roads – ONE lane will be CLOSED Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Traffic will get by one direction at a time at the discretion of the work crew.

Baltimore County: EMERGENCY BRIDGE REPAIRS – Warren Road Bridge over Loch Raven Boulevard – Will be CLOSED for structural repairs until early August. Use MD 145/Paper Mill Road or MD 146/Jarrettsville Pike instead.

Baltimore County: BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION – US 40/Pulaski Highway at the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls – ONE lane will be CLOSED Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Baltimore County: INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS – Ramp from Padonia Road EASTBOUND to I-83/Harrisburg Expressway NORTHBOUND is CLOSED for long-term work.

The project will:

Widen Padonia Road under I-83

Replace both I-83 bridges over Padonia Road

Create a dedicated left turn lane from EASTBOUND Padonia Road to I-83 NORTHBOUND

During the closure, drivers should use Deereco Road to Timonium Road to get to the NORTHBOUND Harrisburg Expressway

Padonia Road will be CLOSED occasionally under I-83 for demolition work, overnights, Sundays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning. Timonium Road will be the alternate route. This work should be completed in late May.

Baltimore/Anne Arundel County: BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – I-895/Harbor Tunnel Thruway BOTH WAYS between the I-695/Lansdowne and I-97/MD 2 (south of the Harbor Tunnel and the Steel Bridge) – SOUTHBOUND lanes CLOSED around-the-clock. Traffic gets by using the newly rebuilt NORTHBOUND bridge. ONE lane is OPEN EACH WAY. Crews are replacing the bridge deck, and the bridge superstructure in its entirety.

Calvert County – REPAVING – MD 4/Solomons Island Road between Coster/Mill Bridge Roads and Calvert Cliff Parkway (Calvert Cliffs/Lusby) AND between MD 264/Broomes Island Road and MD 231/Hallowing Point Road (Prince Frederick/Port Republic/St. Leonard) – ONE lane will be CLOSED overnights, Sundays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning. Work should be completed by early summer.

***COMPLETED*** Carroll County: BRIDGE REPAIRS – MD 26 Liberty Road at the Liberty Reservoir.

Carroll County: VARIOUS PROJECTS – MD 30/Main Street between Lower Beckleysville Road and the northern traffic circle in Hampstead – ONE DIRECTION will be CLOSED on Mondays through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Traffic will get by one direction at a time at the discretion of the work crew. Work should be completed by the winter of 2020.

Charles County, MD/King George County, VA: STRUCTURAL REPAIRS/STEEL WORK – US 301 at the Governor Harry Nice Bridge (Potomac River crossing at the MD/VA state line – ONE DIRECTION is subject to CLOSURE, weather permitting, at the following times:

Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Overnights, Mondays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning.

Traffic will get by ONE DIRECTION AT A TIME under the discretion and direction of the work crew.

Trucks greater than 10-feet wide and/or in excess of 80,000 pounds will NOT be allowed to cross the bridge during flagging operations without an escort. Every effort will be made to get these vehicles across the bridge from 8 – 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 – 4 p.m.

Drivers of vehicles exceeding the width or weigh restriction must call 410-537-6800 no less than one hour prior to arrival at the bridge in order to obtain approval and schedule an escort. Calls will only be accepted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Harford County: REPAVING – MD 24 between Jarrettsville Road and Rocks State Park – SINGLE lane CLOSURES daily from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Traffic will get by one direction at a time at the discretion of the work crew. ***WORK SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY MID-JUNE.***

Harford County: BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION – Bradshaw Road bridge over I-95. Will be CLOSED for reconstruction until the spring of 2020. Use New Forge Rd or MD 152 instead.

Howard County: PAVEMENT PATCHING AND REPAIR – MD 144/Frederick Road between MD 97 and US 40 in Ellicott City – ONE lane will be CLOSED, Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and overnights, Sundays through Thursdays from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning. Work should be completed by early June.

Montgomery County: REPAVING – US 29/Colesville Road between I MD 97/Georgia Avenue and Sligo Creek Parkway. ONE lane will be CLOSED, Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and overnights, Sundays through Thursdays, from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning.

Montgomery County: WATER MAIN WORK – US 29/Colesville Road between I 495/Capital Beltway and MD 97/Georgia Avenue. Up to TWO lanes will be CLOSED, Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and overnights, Sundays through Thursdays, from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning. Saturday lane closures are possible between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Montgomery County: WATKINS MILL ROAD INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION – I-270 NORTHBOUND and SOUTHBOUND between MD 124/Gaithersburg and MD 118/Germantown – Up to TWO lanes will be CLOSED, overnights, Sundays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. until 4:30 a.m. the following morning.

Prince George’s County: REPAVING – MD 301 NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND between Village Drive and MD 725/Marlboro Pike – ONE lane will be CLOSED overnights, Sundays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning until early summer.

Prince George’s County: REPAVING – Ramps between US 50/John Hanson Highway and MD 201/Kenilworth Avenue in Cheverly – All ramps in the interchange will be repaved. Overnight ramp closures, Sundays through Thursdays from 6 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning. Work should be completed by mid-May.

Prince George’s County: RAMP CLOSURE / BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT – Ramp from the INNER LOOP of the Capital Beltway (I-95/I-495 SOUTHBOUND) to MD 214/Central Avenue EASTBOUND – will be CLOSED around-the-clock until the fall of 2021.

DETOUR: Exit the OUTER LOOP at MD 202 SOUTHBOUND in Largo. MD 202 will take you to MD 214

Prince George’s County: UNDERGROUND PIPELINE WORK – US 301 NORTHBOUND between Frank Tippett and Trumps Hill Roads in Cheltenham/Upper Marlboro – RIGHT lane will be CLOSED until Spring 2019.

***COMPLETED*** Somerset/Worcester Counties: BRIDGE WORK – US 13 Bridge at the Pocomoke River (Somerset/Worcester County Line.

Washington County: BRIDGE WIDENING – I-70 WESTBOUND at I-81 – Single lane and occasional ramp CLOSURES, overnights, Sundays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning.

Washington County: BRIDGE WIDENING – I-81 between the West Virginia/Maryland state line and MD 63/68 – LEFT lane CLOSURES, overnights, Sundays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning. There may be brief, TOTAL CLOSURES between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.

Worcester County/OCEAN CITY: BRIDGE REPAIR – US 50 at the bridge over Sinepuxnet Bay in South Ocean City (Harry Kelley Memorial Bridge) – SINGLE LANE CLOSURES, Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m.

***COMPLETED*** Worcester County/OCEAN CITY: REPAVING – Philadelphia Ave between 9^thand 26^th Streets in South Ocean City.

Weekend Events

The Festival of India will be held on Sunday at the Inner Harbor’s McKeldin Square.  

At 12:30 p.m., a parade will begin at the intersection of Key Highway and Light Street. It will proceed NORTH along Light Street and will end at McKeldin Square, where the festival will be held.  

The following LANE CLOSURES will be in place:

Light Street SOUTHBOUND - LEFT lane will be CLOSED between Pratt and Conway Streets for set-up on Saturday from 5 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Key Highway between Battery Ave Light Street - THREE lanes will be CLOSED on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Light Street SOUTHBOUND – LEFT lane will be CLOSED between Pratt and Conway for breakdown on Sunday from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. 

While the parade is in progress, expect traffic to be stopped on and across the parade route.