Baltimore Protests Stop Traffic Monday On I-83

BALTIMORE, MD — Protests in Baltimore temporarily shut down Interstate 83/the Jones Falls Expressway Monday evening. All lanes were closed south of St. Paul Street, according to the Baltimore City Joint Information Center. Officials also said I-83 was closed off from I-695 during the evening rush hour.

"The Jones Falls Expressway is currently closed in both directions south of St. Paul Street," officials said in a statement after 6:30 p.m. "In addition, several other streets are temporarily closed in the downtown area. Motorists may experience delays in these areas."

Later the Maryland State Highway Administration reported lanes were closed at I-695.

ALERT Baltimore Co: Police activity closes all ramps onto I-83S beginning at I-695 Inner and Outer loops. Seek alternate routes. Ars #MDTraffic
— MD State Highway Adm (@MDSHA) June 1, 2020

Lane closures first took effect on I-83 near St. Paul Street around 4:30 p.m.

Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young advised drivers to avoid downtown Baltimore due to the demonstrations.

"There are currently thousands of people downtown engaged in peaceful protests," Young reported at 5:45 p.m. "The area is open to foot traffic, but many streets surrounding downtown are closed to vehicle traffic in order to ensure the safety of protesters. Please avoid driving in and around downtown."

Said Young: "I'm appreciative of our young people for leading this powerful display of Democracy in action."

Protesters who flooded I-83 Monday afternoon were among what WBAL reported were several groups marching across the city to rally against the death of George Floyd in police custody. They reportedly traveled from the Baltimore Convention Center to I-83, where they left at Chase Street and turned back toward City Hall.