Icy Roads and Full MARC Service: Thursday Baltimore Commute Update

Commute Overview for Thursday, January 29, 2026

Good morning, Baltimore. As of 8:15 AM, the region continues to recover from the major winter storm that impacted Maryland earlier this week. While the most severe precipitation has passed, freezing temperatures overnight have left a layer of black ice on many secondary roads and highway shoulders. Commuters should expect a slower-than-normal morning drive as snow removal crews continue to treat arterial routes and local jurisdictions work through the remaining slush.

Major Roadworks and Arterial Updates

Despite the weather recovery, several major infrastructure projects are active and affecting traffic patterns across the city and surrounding counties:

• I-695 (Baltimore Beltway): The State Highway Administration is currently in a critical phase of the Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project. Crews are working to relocate concrete barrier walls to create a new median work zone on both the Inner and Outer Loops between I-83 (Baltimore-Harrisburg Expressway) and MD 43 (White Marsh Boulevard). Drivers should expect narrow lanes and a reduced speed limit in this 19-mile stretch.
• I-95 at MD 24 Interchange: The implementation of the new split traffic pattern on southbound I-95, originally scheduled for last week, was postponed due to the extreme cold. However, motorists should remain alert for sudden shifts in lane configurations as crews wait for a window of manageable temperatures to apply new line striping.
• I-95 Belvidere Road: Reconstruction of the Belvidere Road bridge over I-95 continues. Traffic on the bridge is currently limited to an alternating single-lane pattern controlled by temporary signals. This is causing minor backups for those entering and exiting the I-95 corridor in that area.

Public Transit and MARC Service

In a major step toward normalcy, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has restored full service to the MARC Train system. The Penn, Camden, and Brunswick lines are all operating on their regular Thursday schedules. However, officials warn that residual weather-related issues, such as downed tree limbs or signal delays, could still impact individual trains. Passengers are encouraged to walk carefully on platforms, as some spots remain slippery despite treatment.

Local bus service has largely been restored, though several detours remain in effect for routes including Local Link 78 and CityLink Pink. Commuter Bus services are also running, but riders should expect delays as drivers navigate icy patches in residential neighborhoods.

Safety Advisories and City Openings

Baltimore City government offices are operating on a two-hour delayed opening today for non-essential employees. This delay is intended to keep early-morning traffic light while salt crews finish their rounds. Additionally, Maryland State Police have issued a warning regarding "flying ice." Following an incident on the Tydings Bridge where falling ice from a tractor-trailer caused a significant accident, authorities are reminding all drivers to clear snow and ice completely from their vehicles before hitting the highway to avoid potential fines or hazardous conditions for others.