Expect Major Delays on I-695 and Overnight Restrictions at the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel This Wednesday
Wednesday Morning Traffic Overview
Good morning, Baltimore commuters. For Wednesday, March 4, 2026, drivers should prepare for a mix of long-term infrastructure projects and active construction zones that will impact travel times across the metro area. While the morning rush is currently underway, several key bottlenecks on the I-695 Beltway and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel are the primary areas of concern. Motorists are advised to allow an extra 15 to 25 minutes for their morning routes, especially when traversing the northern and southeastern sections of the city.
Major Highway Construction: I-695 and I-95
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is continuing the second phase of the $184 million Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project on the Baltimore Beltway. Here is what you need to know for today:
- I-695 Pikesville to Towson: Crews are actively relocating concrete barriers between Old Court Road and Stevenson Road. Commuters should expect off-peak, single-left-lane closures on both the Inner and Outer Loops. Be aware that speed limits have been reduced to 45 mph in these work zones for the safety of highway workers.
- I-695 Southeast: Due to the ongoing reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Southeast I-695 corridor remains closed on the Outer Loop at MD 173 and on the Inner Loop at MD 151. Diversions remain in place, with traffic being funneled toward the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel and the I-895 Harbor Tunnel.
- I-95 Corridor: While main travel lanes are open, heavy volume is expected near the I-395 split. Drivers are cautioned to watch for sudden merging and lane shifts near the tunnel portals.
Tunnels and Bridge Crossings
Restrictions at the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) are currently a significant factor for those coming from the south. The MDTA has scheduled overnight lane closures at the tunnel through Thursday, March 5. While most work is slated for overnight hours, residual delays of 15-20 minutes may persist into the early morning hours as two-way operations are reset. Additionally, the Bay Bridge (US 50/301) has scheduled lane closures and shifting traffic patterns for the remainder of the week, which may affect those commuting toward the Eastern Shore or coming into the city via the Annapolis corridor.
Public Transit and City Street Updates
Public transportation users should remain vigilant for service changes today:
- MARC Penn Line: Following several cancellations and departure delays reported on Tuesday, passengers are encouraged to check real-time status before heading to the platform, as equipment resets may cause minor rolling delays this morning.
- Light RailLink: Trains continue to operate at reduced speeds in certain segments, requiring passengers to plan for slightly longer travel times.
- City Signal Syncing: In the city center, the Department of Transportation is continuing its citywide signal retiming project. For Wednesday, work is concentrated in North and West Baltimore. While this project aims to reduce long-term congestion, drivers may encounter temporary stop-and-go conditions as technicians adjust timing at various intersections.