Downtown Parade Closures and I-95 Traffic Shifts: Sunday Commute Advisory

Downtown Gridlock: St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Shamrock 5K

Baltimore is bracing for significant downtown congestion today, Sunday, March 15, 2026, as the city celebrates its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Commuters and visitors should expect heavy delays and extensive road closures beginning in the early morning hours. The Shamrock 5K race will initiate rolling closures through the Inner Harbor and surrounding streets starting at 1:00 PM, followed immediately by the main parade procession.

The parade is scheduled to run from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, marching from the Washington Monument down North Charles Street to the Inner Harbor. The Baltimore City Department of Transportation has issued a formal traffic advisory, noting that parking restrictions are strictly enforced along the route. If you are traveling through the city center, it is highly recommended to use the I-895 or I-95 tunnels as through-alternatives to avoid the surface street gridlock in the central business district.

Interstate Alerts: I-95 Lane Splits and Beltway Work

On the highways, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is reminding drivers of the new traffic pattern on southbound I-95 near the MD 24 interchange (Exit 77). As part of the ongoing $1.1 billion Express Toll Lanes extension project, southbound traffic is currently split by barrier walls. Motorists must stay in the designated lanes—one to the left and three to the right—just south of the interchange. A reduced speed limit of 55 mph remains in effect for this work zone.

Additionally, the I-695 Baltimore Beltway continues to see weekly lane and shoulder closures between I-70 and MD 43 (White Marsh Boulevard). While Sunday traffic is typically lighter, the Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project may still cause unexpected backups near construction access points. Drivers should maintain extra following distance and stay alert for merging construction vehicles.

West Baltimore Tunnel Work and MARC Service Updates

In West Baltimore, the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program continues to impact local transit and neighborhood traffic. North Payson Street remains closed between Lafayette Avenue and Mosher Street due to essential utility relocation work. Furthermore, West Mulberry Street is closed between North Warwick Avenue and North Smallwood Street, with detours expected to remain in place through mid-2027.

Public transport users should prepare for a significant schedule change on the MARC Penn Line beginning tomorrow, Monday, March 16. Following the completion of major Amtrak trackwork, normal weekday service levels are being restored, though several departure times have been adjusted. If you are using MARC service today, check current timetables as some trains may be modified to accommodate local events.

Commuter Recommendations

• Avoid the Inner Harbor: From 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, surface streets near the parade route will be impassable.
• Use Navigation Tools: Real-time GPS apps are recommended to navigate around the N. Payson Street and W. Mulberry Street closures.
• Plan for Monday: Review the new MARC Penn Line timetable tonight to ensure your Monday morning commute is not disrupted by the restored schedule.