Beltway Lane Closures Near US 40; MARC Interim Schedule Concludes Today

Friday Morning Traffic and Commute Overview

Good morning, Baltimore. Today is Friday, March 13, 2026, and we are seeing a mix of routine roadwork and significant transitions in the region's public transit network. For those heading into the city, major arteries like I-95 are flowing relatively well following the successful completion of the 10-bridge deck replacement project at the I-95/I-695 interchange earlier this year. However, commuters on the Baltimore Beltway should remain alert for lingering lane closures on the Inner Loop between Exit 14 (Edmondson Avenue) and Exit 15A (US 40/Baltimore National Pike) following roadwork operations that impacted the stretch late yesterday.

Public Transit: MARC Penn Line and Light Rail Alerts

The most critical update for rail commuters today concerns the MARC Penn Line. Today, March 13, marks the final day of the special interim schedule that has been in effect since mid-February. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has confirmed that a new permanent schedule will take effect this coming Monday, March 16. This shift follows the completion of Amtrak’s extensive trackwork project in New Jersey. Commuters are strongly encouraged to check updated timetables today, as many southbound morning trains to Washington will begin departing earlier than they have over the past several weeks.

Additionally, Light RailLink riders should prepare for disruptions starting tomorrow. Rail replacement work will require single-tracking between the Camden Yards and North Avenue stations on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15. During this time, riders at stations including the Convention Center, Mt. Vernon, and Cultural Center will need to board and exit on the Northbound track. Expect delays and plan for extra travel time if you are heading to weekend events downtown.

Major Roadworks and Street Closures

• I-695 (Baltimore Beltway): Beyond the Inner Loop work near Edmondson Avenue, expect typical congestion near the I-70 interchange. State crews are currently in the pre-solicitation phase for the major bridge replacement project at this junction scheduled for later this year.
• Roland Avenue: Resurfacing work continues between 34th Street and 40th Street. Expect localized delays and occasional lane shifts as part of the ongoing Complete Streets initiative in the area.
• York Road (MD 45): While overnight waterline work near Towson University typically clears before the morning rush, motorists should stay cautious of uneven pavement and utility plates between Newell Avenue and the Towson Roundabout.
• I-95/MD 24 Interchange: Looking ahead to next week, the new ramp from northbound MD 24 to northbound I-95 is scheduled to open. Commuters should prepare for updated traffic patterns in the Harford County corridor starting March 15.

Key Bridge Rebuild and Tunnel Alternatives

Travelers are reminded that the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains closed as the multi-year rebuilding effort continues. While the southern crossing of the I-695 Beltway is unavailable, travelers are urged to continue utilizing I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Harbor Tunnel) as primary alternate routes. The new bridge project is currently in the advanced design and site preparation stage, with a projected opening date in late 2030. Following a fatal pedestrian incident on North Collington Avenue yesterday, city officials also remind drivers to remain vigilant for pedestrians in high-density neighborhoods throughout the Southeast District.