3-21-2024 4:21am

YEAR-LONG DELAYS

I-695 Opening Rush Hour Lane, But Expect Delays During Construction

The Baltimore Beltway will soon open another lane to ease rush hour traffic. Expect delays during the construction, which will last a year.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is beginning a new section of its project to ease congestion and improve reliability along I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) this week. When completed, the project will convert portions of the median shoulder along I-695 between I-70 and MD 43 (White Marsh Boulevard) into an additional travel lane during morning and evening rush hours.

The work will take place in the median of I-695 between MD 43 (White Marsh Boulevard) and the Lillian Holt Drive overpass (just west of I-95) on the eastern section of the project limits. Motorists should expect significant off-peak delays during this work period. The State Highway Administration anticipates completing the new phase of the project by spring 2025, weather permitting. Additionally, crews will continue to work on the section of I-695 between Pikesville and Towson, with work anticipated to be completed in summer 2024, weather permitting.

Motorists can expect off-peak, single-left-lane closures on the inner loop and outer loop of the Beltway weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as overnights, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning. Crews may occasionally close two lanes overnight beginning at 10 p.m. Additionally, speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph during work hours.YEAR

“We appreciate the patience of our customers as we work hard to reduce congestion and improve safety along one of the busiest corridors in the state,” said State Highway Administrator William Pines. “Drivers should plan extra commute time and consider alternate routes during active lane closures.”

Once complete, the project will reduce congestion at bottlenecks along the corridor, improve safety and offer time savings for morning commuters traveling on the I-695 outer loop between Overlea and Catonsville, and for evening commuters traveling on the I-695 inner loop between Catonsville and Overlea.

Drivers must stay alert, avoid distractions and plan extra travel time. The closures are not anticipated to occur during morning and evening rush hours. The State Highway Administration also will implement the Automated Speed Enforcement System in the work zone, including warning signs, speed sensors and cameras.

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, go to Project Portal, or visit the homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.