I-695 Lane Closures and BWI Transit Diversions Highlight Friday Morning Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Good morning, Baltimore. As we wrap up the first week of February 2026, commuters are facing a mix of planned construction and the lingering effects of recent winter weather. While the main arteries into the city are currently flowing, those utilizing the Baltimore Beltway or public transit to BWI Airport should prepare for significant adjustments to their normal routines. Road conditions have improved since the mid-week winter precipitation, but several active work zones and transit diversions remain in place this Friday, February 6.

Major Roadwork and Beltway Delays

The Maryland State Highway Administration is continuing its major Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project on I-695. For today, motorists should expect intermittent shoulder and single-lane closures during the midday hours. Specifically:

• I-695 Outer Loop: From I-83 (Baltimore-Harrisburg Expressway) to US 40 (Baltimore National Pike), crews will be active between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Expect left or right lane closures that may cause sudden backups.
• I-695 Inner Loop: Similar daytime work is scheduled from US 40 back toward I-83. These closures are necessary for the ongoing installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems and shoulder reconstruction.
• Security Boulevard and Wilkens Avenue: Residual alerts remain active following winter precipitation yesterday. Caution is advised on the Inner Loop past Exit 17 (Security Blvd) and the Outer Loop near Exit 12C (Wilkens Ave), where lane capacity has been intermittently restricted due to weather-related cleanup and barrier management.

MTA and MARC Transit Alerts

Public transportation users are advised to check schedules frequently this morning, as winter operations continue to impact several key lines. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has issued the following alerts:

• Light Rail Link: Due to ongoing snow removal operations at BWI Marshall Airport, shuttle bus service remains in effect between the North Linthicum station and BWI Airport. Travelers should allow at least an extra 20 to 30 minutes for this transfer.
• MARC Penn Line: Train 610 and several other morning departures have reported minor delays. MTA officials are urging all rail passengers to exercise caution on station platforms which may still be slick in shaded areas.
• Local Bus Diversions: A water main break near North Bentalou Street and Mosher Street continues to affect LocalLink 26, with detours expected to last through the morning peak.

Safety Reminder

With temperatures hovering near freezing, please remain vigilant for black ice on elevated surfaces and ramps, particularly on I-83 and the I-695 interchanges. The State Highway Administration has reduced speed limits to 45 mph in active work zones to protect road crews. Stay safe and have a productive Friday.