I-695 Lane Closures and Downtown Detours Forecast for Wednesday Commute

Wednesday Commuter Advisory: Midweek Traffic and Transit Updates

Good morning, Baltimore. As we move into the middle of the week on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, commuters should prepare for significant daytime activity on major arteries and continued detours in the downtown core. While the morning rush has seen typical congestion levels, several planned projects and service adjustments are expected to impact travel times throughout the afternoon.

I-695 Beltway: TSMO Project Lane Reductions

Motorists traveling on the Baltimore Beltway should be alert for intermittent lane and shoulder closures today as part of the ongoing Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project. Work is focused on the west and north sides of the I-695 loop between the I-83 (Baltimore-Harrisburg Expressway) interchange and US 40 (Baltimore National Pike).

• Outer Loop (WB/SB): Expect single right or left lane closures and shoulder work between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Inner Loop (NB/EB): Similar intermittent closures are scheduled from US 40 to I-83 during the same midday window.

Crews are currently installing conduits for intelligent transportation systems and performing shoulder reconstruction. These closures are designed to conclude before the peak evening rush, but travelers are advised to expect minor delays through the work zones.

Downtown Baltimore and Local Roadworks

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) has confirmed that its weekday downtown road closure schedule remains in effect through Friday, January 23. Various blocks within the central business district are experiencing temporary lane modifications and sidewalk closures to facilitate utility repairs and infrastructure upgrades. Motorists are encouraged to use navigation apps like Waze for real-time detour routing around active work sites.

MTA Transit Alerts: Detours and Schedule Changes

Public transport users should verify their routes this morning as several alerts remain active across the Maryland Transit Administration network:

• CityLink Pink: A detour remains in effect for the CityLink Pink route between Cedonia and West Baltimore MARC. Passengers should check for temporary stop locations along the line.
• MARC Penn Line: Train 554 continues to operate under a minor schedule adjustment. Commuters are reminded that the new platforms at Penn Station are fully operational, though overall station redevelopment continues through the year.
• Metro Subway: The MTA recently celebrated the rollout of new subway railcars; however, riders should remain aware of ongoing maintenance that may affect platform arrivals during off-peak hours.

Key Bridge and Port of Baltimore Status

The Francis Scott Key Bridge remains closed to all traffic as reconstruction efforts continue following the meeting between state and federal officials earlier this month to accelerate the project. Traffic continues to be diverted through the I-95 Fort McHenry and I-895 Harbor Tunnels. At the Port of Baltimore, the Seagirt Marine Terminal has announced extended main gate hours until 5:30 p.m. for today, which may increase heavy truck volume near the Broening Highway corridor late this afternoon.