I-895 Tunnel Closures and I-95 Lane Shifts: Baltimore Commute Update for Thursday, Feb 26

Morning Commute Overview

Good morning, Baltimore. As we head into the final Thursday of February, commuters should prepare for a mix of long-term construction shifts and significant evening maintenance projects. While the primary morning rush is moving steadily through the city center, major arteries leading into and out of the metro area are undergoing intensive infrastructure work that may impact your return trip later tonight.

Major Highway Alerts: I-895 and I-95

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has issued a specific alert for the I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Starting at 9:00 PM tonight, Thursday, February 26, the Southbound Tunnel will be closed for essential maintenance operations. During this time, two-way traffic will be diverted into the Northbound Tunnel. Motorists should expect delays of 15 to 20 minutes and are urged to maintain a safe following distance as lane widths are restricted. The tunnel is scheduled to fully reopen by 3:00 AM Friday morning.

On I-95, drivers traveling between Baltimore and Harford counties continue to navigate the $1.1 billion congestion relief program. At the MD 24 interchange (Exit 77), a complex traffic split remains in effect. Southbound traffic is currently divided by barrier walls, with one lane shifted to the left and three lanes to the right. This configuration is part of a long-term pattern that will persist through the year, and the work zone speed limit remains strictly enforced at 55 mph.

Beltway and City Roadworks

The I-695 Baltimore Beltway continues to see activity related to the TSMO (Transportation Systems Management and Operations) project. Between I-70 and MD 43 (White Marsh Boulevard), crews are active in the median and on the shoulders. While work is primarily scheduled to avoid peak rush hours, intermittent shoulder closures may cause localized rubbernecking. Additionally, the Sparrows Point project near Exit 44 remains in a heavy construction phase; though at least one lane remains open in each direction, the shifted barriers near the Peninsula Expressway require extra caution.

Public Transit: MTA and MARC Updates

For those utilizing public transportation, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has two critical reminders for today:

• CharmCard Retirement: Commuters are reminded that the legacy CharmCard system will officially retire on March 1, 2026. If you have not yet transitioned your balance to the CharmPass mobile app or the new electronic ticketing system, today is a recommended day to do so to avoid the weekend rush.
• MARC Penn Line: Following the schedule adjustments implemented on February 16, riders should double-check their departure times, as minor timing shifts are still catching some regular commuters off guard.

Regional Weather and Safety

While road conditions within Baltimore City have stabilized following the recent winter weather, those commuting to or from the Eastern Shore should remain vigilant. Lingering icy patches have been reported on secondary roads in neighboring counties. Maintenance crews remain on standby for spot-treating bridges and overpasses as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.