'Major Gridlock' in Store for I-95 Near Fort McHenry Tunnel

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Commuters, if your route involves Interstate 95 near the Fort McHenry Tunnel, prepare for delays.

Work zones were set up on I-95 south of the tunnel Sunday as part of a resurfacing project that will continue in the area for the next six months, transportation officials say.

“This work will cause major gridlock along I-95 through Baltimore,” Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn said. “Drivers should plan ahead or plan to sit in traffic.”

I-95 is being resurfaced south of the Fort McHenry Tunnel for the first time since the 1970s when the bridges were built, according to transportation officials.

Here are the upcoming traffic pattern changes:

• I-95 North: Between Caton Avenue and Russell Street, I-95 north lanes were shifted to the right Sunday and will stay that way for approximately six weeks (until early May).
• I-95 North: Starting March 30, lanes will split with three to the left and one to the right between Hanover Street and Key Highway, and drivers who want to take these exits must stay to the right before the split. This will remain in effect for eight weeks (until late May).
• I-95 North: Drivers taking I-95 north from I-395 will be funneled into the right tube starting March 30 for approximately eight weeks.
• I-95 South: Starting on Saturday, March 28, those taking exits for Key Highway, I-395 and MD 295 will have to stay in the right lane upon entering the tunnel. This will be in effect for eight weeks (until late May).

Approximately 205,000 vehicles travel along the section of road that is being resurfaced daily, the Maryland Transportation Authority reports.

As workers move to different sections of the highway, changes will continue to be announced. The Maryland Department of Transportation shows live traffic conditions here.

See more information about the I-95 resurfacing project and planned closures from the Maryland Transportation Authority. Also check out alternate routes into the city from points east and points south and west.

Fort McHenry Tunnel. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.

See Also:

• Tolls Now in Effect on I-95 Express Lanes
• Final Section of ICC Complete
• Widow Pleads for Safer Driving in Maryland Work Zones