I-895 Harbor Tunnel Closures and Overnight Beltway Maintenance: Thursday Commute Update

Major Overnight Closures on I-895

Commuters utilizing the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) should prepare for significant late-evening disruptions today, Thursday, February 5. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has scheduled the closure of the Northbound Tunnel starting at 9:00 p.m. for essential maintenance operations. During this time, two-way traffic will be redirected into the Southbound Tunnel. Motorists are advised that this configuration often results in delays of 15 to 20 minutes. The tunnel is expected to fully reopen by 3:00 a.m. Friday morning. Please maintain a safe speed and stay within your designated lane while two-way operations are in effect.

I-695 Beltway Lane Restrictions

Significant roadwork continues along the I-695 Baltimore Beltway as part of the ongoing infrastructure improvements. For the evening of February 5, drivers should anticipate the following lane closures starting at 8:00 p.m. and lasting until 5:00 a.m. the following morning:

• Outer Loop (Westbound): Left lane closures between Greenspring Avenue and Milford Mill Road.
• Inner Loop (Eastbound): Left lane closures from I-83 North (BHX) to MD 146 (Dulaney Valley Road).
• Inner Loop (Eastbound): Additional left lane restrictions from Milford Mill Road to Greenspring Avenue.

For those traveling during the midday hours, intermittent shoulder and single-lane closures may occur between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on both the Inner and Outer loops near the I-83 and US 40 interchanges for pavement testing and surveys.

Winter Weather Residuals and Local Conditions

While the immediate threat of active snowfall has passed, Baltimore City officials continue to warn of lingering hazards following the recent major winter storm. City Administrator Faith Leach has noted that significant, thick ice remains on many secondary roadways and sidewalks. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is currently conducting citywide alley clearing operations through the end of the week. Commuters should remain cautious on residential streets where "rock-like" ice may still impact traction and parking availability. On the Southeast I-695 corridor, the Outer Loop remains closed at MD 173 and the Inner Loop at MD 151; traffic continues to be diverted to the I-95 and I-895 tunnels as the primary alternate routes.

Public Transit and MTA Alerts

Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) services have largely returned to regular weekday schedules, though some delays persist. Commuters using the MARC Train should be aware of potential interference from freight traffic, which has caused minor 15-to-20-minute delays on the Camden and Penn lines earlier this week. Bus riders should check for localized detours, particularly in areas where snow removal equipment is still active, such as near Loch Raven Boulevard and The Alameda. Transit users are encouraged to monitor real-time updates via the Transit App before heading to their stops.