Friday Traffic Alert: Pothole Blitz and Beltway Construction Impact Commutes

Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters across the Baltimore metropolitan area should prepare for a mix of infrastructure improvements and event-related closures this Friday, February 20, 2026. Following the significant winter storm earlier this month, the primary focus for city crews remains the ongoing pothole repair blitz. Additionally, long-term construction projects on the I-695 Beltway and significant transit schedule shifts are expected to influence travel times throughout the day.

Roadwork and Construction Alerts

• I-695 Inner Loop: The Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project continues between I-70 and MD 43. Specifically, motorists should expect lane shifts and shoulder closures between Milford Mill Road and Greenspring Avenue. While overnight closures typically end by 5:00 a.m., residual congestion is likely during the morning peak as drivers navigate the 45 mph work zone speed limits.
• Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895): Following a week of overnight closures, lanes have reopened, but crews may remain on-site for minor adjustments. Commuters should remain alert for sudden shifts in traffic patterns near the tunnel entrances.
• Pothole Repair Blitz: The Baltimore City Department of Transportation has divided the city into four quadrants to tackle over 1,000 reported road craters. Expect rolling delays in West and Southwest Baltimore, where repair activity is most concentrated today as crews work to address nearly 300 reports in those specific areas.

Event-Based Closures and Detours

Starting today and continuing through the weekend, several city streets will see temporary modifications for the MICA Bicentennial Gala. Drivers in the Midtown and Mount Vernon areas should look for detour signs around the Maryland Institute College of Art campus as crane operations and event setup are underway for the Fete of Lights. Traffic modifications are expected to be most intense between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Public Transit and Rail Updates

• MARC Penn Line: A major Amtrak trackwork project in New Jersey continues to impact local service. An interim schedule is currently in effect for the Penn Line. Commuters are advised to verify their departure times, as many trains have been modified to accommodate significant adjustments between Washington and New York.
• MTA Bus Service: Winter 2026 service adjustments are now fully active. Reliability improvements have been implemented for CityLinks Brown, Green, Lime, and Orange, as well as several LocalLink routes (22, 51, 53, and 92). Be aware that some bus stop locations, such as those at 25th Street and Greenmount Avenue, have been permanently adjusted.
• Fare Collection Reminder: Sunday, March 1, will be the final day to use CharmCards on the Local Bus, Light Rail, and Metro Subway systems. Riders are encouraged to use any remaining balances now as the MTA transitions to its modernized fare collection system.

Safety and Commuter Tips

Visibility may be limited in areas with ongoing streetlight synchronization projects. While the city aims to have all 1,100+ signals synced by the end of the year, construction teams are currently active in North and West Baltimore neighborhoods. Please exercise caution when traveling through these intersections as crews work on pedestrian signal adjustments and signal timing to reduce long-term logjams.