I-695 Barrier Shifts and Extreme Cold Impact Saturday Baltimore Commute

Recovery and Roadwork: Baltimore Traffic Update for Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

As Baltimore continues its recovery from the significant snowfall earlier this week, commuters and weekend travelers should prepare for a mix of scheduled infrastructure projects and residual service adjustments. While major arteries have been cleared of the 11-inch snow accumulation from Winter Storm Fern, the current extreme cold—with temperatures hovering between 10°F and 20°F—presents a persistent risk of black ice on secondary roads and ramps.

Major Lane Closures on I-695

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is moving forward with the next phase of the $184 million Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project. Motorists should expect the following on the Baltimore Beltway:

• Pikesville to Towson: Daytime and overnight lane closures are in effect to facilitate the relocation of concrete traffic barriers. These shifts are necessary to prepare for new traffic patterns intended to relieve long-term congestion.
• I-695/I-70 Interchange: Intermittent shoulder and ramp closures may occur as crews continue utility work associated with the TSMO expansion.

MTA Maryland Transit Alerts

Public transportation users should check schedules frequently today, as several service alerts remain active following the storm recovery and scheduled maintenance:

• Metro SubwayLink: Delays are reported on the line between Owings Mills and Johns Hopkins. Passengers should allow for an additional 15 to 20 minutes of travel time.
• Bus Detours: LocalLink 67 is currently on detour between Downtown and Marley Neck. Additionally, CityLink Silver and CityLink Pink routes have reported modifications due to road conditions and residential cleanup efforts.
• MARC Train: While Penn Line service has largely stabilized, riders are encouraged to verify weekend departure times, as limited employee availability following the weather event may cause sporadic cancellations.

Regional Bridges and Safety Notes

For those traveling toward the Eastern Shore, the Bay Bridge (US 50/301) continues its scheduled lane closures and specific traffic patterns through the end of today. Wind warnings may be implemented if gusts increase due to the cold front.

Within Baltimore City, be mindful of increased truck traffic. The Department of Public Works is conducting Saturday trash collection for residents whose Tuesday pickups were missed due to the snow. Please give collection vehicles extra space. Finally, with the thermostat remaining well below freezing, any melt from earlier this week has likely refrozen; exercise extreme caution on bridge decks and shaded overpasses where ice is difficult to spot.