MDOT: Drivers should expect overnight closures on the Beltway through August

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will shift traffic associated with the I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project beginning the week of July 8, MDOT officials announced June 24.

Crews will restripe lanes to move traffic to the right, enabling crews to continue work in the center median. The work will begin on the inner loop of I-695 at I-70 and move north and east to I-83 (Baltimore-Harrisburg Expressway), then onto the outer loop lanes from I-83 to I-70.

The complete traffic shift, in both directions of the beltway is expected to be complete by mid-August, weather permitting.

To safely perform this work, crews will close a single lane at 8 p.m., two lanes at 10 p.m. and three lanes at 11 p.m. The work will take place Sundays through Thursdays and all lanes will reopen no later than 5 a.m. each morning.

The work is part of the Maryland State Highway Administration’s project to improve reliability and reduce congestion along I-695 between I-70 and MD 43 (White Marsh Boulevard).

The project includes converting the existing median shoulder to a travel lane for use during morning and evening rush hours. Once complete, the project will reduce congestion at bottlenecks along the corridor, improve safety and offer time savings for morning and evening commuters traveling on I-695 between Catonsville and Overlea.

Drivers should also be aware of the State Highway Administration’s existing project to rehabilitate 10 bridges at the I-695/I-95 interchange in Arbutus. This project is expected to have single, double, and triple lane closures on southbound I-95 at I-695 overnights in July Sundays through Thursdays 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The combination of these project-related lane closures will cause congestion overnight on the Baltimore Beltway. Drivers should seek alternate routes or change travels times to avoid congestion.

“The State Highway Administration appreciates motorists’ patience as we complete this necessary construction work,” an MDOT statement says.

“Drivers are asked to slow down in the work zone for the safety of all drivers and the crews working to improve our roadways.”