12-20-2024 4:35am

5-YEAR PROJECT

I-95 Traffic Reduction: Toll Lanes Extended From White Marsh To Joppatowne

An I-95 Express Toll Lane extension opened Wednesday, linking White Marsh to Joppa and reducing traffic in "one of MD's busiest corridors."

Drivers can take the Interstate 95 Express Toll Lanes even further since Wednesday.

The northbound extension adds 6.5 miles to the existing toll lanes, where drivers pay a small fee to take a less congested, adjacent section of I-95.

The new stretch runs from White Marsh Boulevard (Maryland Route 43) in Nottingham to Mountain Road (Maryland Route 152) in Joppatowne.

The Maryland Transportation Authority, which owns and operates the state's toll facilities, called this stretch “one of Maryland's busiest corridors.”

“The northbound I-95 Express Toll Lanes extension project provides travelers with a more reliable travel experience while easing congestion on our highways,” MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner said in a Monday press release. “Through innovation and safety, this project represents our commitment to modernize Maryland's infrastructure and enhance mobility options.”

The first portion of the I-95 Express Toll Lanes opened in 2014, connecting Interstates 95 and 895 to Maryland Route 43. The toll lanes have clocked over 87 million users, 95% more than original use projections.

The full extension to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway (Maryland Route 24) in Edgewood and new ramps connecting I-695 to the northbound toll lanes are expected to open by the end of 2027.

The completed toll lanes will span 16 miles from Baltimore City through Baltimore County and into Harford County.

Toll rates, posted here, vary by time of day, vehicle axle counts and payment type. The tolls are charged via E-ZPass, pay-by-plate or video tolling.

More information on the toll lanes is posted at this link. A video of toll lane testimonials is viewable here.

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) announced the newly extended northbound Express Toll Lanes (ETL) along I-95 are expected to open Wednesday, December 18. The northbound extension spans from White Marsh Boulevard (MD 43) to Mountain Road (MD 152), providing an additional 6.5-miles of existing lanes and allowing drivers a reliable travel option, especially during peak travel times.

In order to facilitate the opening of the northbound I-95 ETL extension, the northbound Express Toll Lanes will be temporarily closed starting Tuesday, December 17, at 8 p.m. and continuing until approximately Wednesday, December 18, at 8 p.m. Motorists will travel adjacent mainline I-95 traffic lanes during this closure.

Drivers can choose to enter the ETL for a more reliable commuting experience in exchange for a variable toll allowing motorists to enjoy relatively congestion-free travel and maintain steady speeds. The new northbound ETL extension is designed to reduce congestion and provide motorists with enhanced travel options and greater efficiency on one of Maryland’s busiest corridors.

“The northbound I-95 Express Toll Lanes extension project provides travelers with a more reliable travel experience while easing congestion on our highways,” said MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner. “Through innovation and safety, this project represents our commitment to modernize Maryland’s infrastructure and enhance mobility options.”

Features of the northbound ETL extension include state-of-the-art electronic tolling technology, updated signage for ease of navigation and additional entry and exit points for driver convenience. The extension project is part of MDTA’s long-term investment plan to keep Maryland’s transportation network efficient and responsive to growing traffic demands.

The I-95 ETL northbound extension project incorporates improved lighting, advanced stormwater management and safety features designed to meet the latest environmental standards. The MDTA worked closely with community stakeholders and environmental agencies to ensure that the extension aligns with Maryland’s sustainability goals, enhancing both infrastructure resilience and environmental stewardship.

With the new northbound ETL open, MDTA anticipates that commuters along the I-95 corridor will experience more reliable travel times, particularly during peak rush hours. Variable toll rates will continue to apply, ensuring smooth traffic flow based on real-time traffic data and demand. The updated toll rates are shown below and can be found on the MDTA toll rates web page.

The I-95 Express Toll Lanes originally opened in 2014, exactly ten years prior to the new northbound extension. Since opening, the ETL has accommodated over 87 million users, which is 95% more than original use projections. For additional details, please refer to the accompanying fact sheet.

The MDTA invites the public to explore the new ETL lanes and experience firsthand the benefits of this enhanced travel option. For more information on the ETL extension, tolling rates and travel tips, please visit the MDTA I-95 Express Toll Lanes Northbound Extension web page.

Testimonial video from motorists and employees who use the ETL can found here.

The full extension to MD 24 (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway) and new ramps connecting I-695 to the northbound ETL are expected to open to traffic by the end of 2027.

The Maryland Transportation Authority reminds motorists that all-electronic tolling is statewide with E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate or Video Tolling as payment methods. E-ZPass is the most cost-effective, saving drivers up to 77% versus the higher rates. Visit DriveEzMD.com to learn more or download the DriveEzMD mobile app to pay your tolls and keep your account up to date.