Lane Closures on I-695 and MARC Penn Line Adjustments Mark This Sunday’s Commute

Commuter Overview for Sunday, March 1, 2026

Good morning, Baltimore. As we enter the first day of March, drivers and transit riders should prepare for ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to reshape the region’s travel patterns. While Sunday traffic typically remains lighter than the weekday rush, major work zones on the I-695 Beltway and schedule adjustments for the MARC Penn Line require your attention today.

Major Beltway Construction and Lane Shifts

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is moving forward with the next phase of the Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project on the Baltimore Beltway. For the week of March 1, several key segments will see restricted movement:

• I-695 Inner Loop: Expect daytime lane closures between MD 122 (Security Boulevard) and MD 26 (Liberty Road). Crews are currently focused on shoulder reconstruction and the installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) conduits and telecommunications lines.
• Overnight Closures: Starting tonight, Sunday, March 1, overnight work will resume on the I-695 Outer Loop from Greenspring Avenue to Milford Mill Road and from Dulaney Valley Road to I-83 North. These closures generally occur between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. the following morning.
• Reduced Speeds: Speed limits remain reduced to 45 mph in active work zones between I-70 and MD 43 (White Marsh Boulevard). Automated speed enforcement is in effect to ensure the safety of highway workers and motorists alike.

Harbor Tunnel and Bridge Advisories

If your Sunday travel takes you toward the harbor tunnels or the Eastern Shore, keep these specific alerts in mind:

• I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel): Prepare for overnight lane closures starting late tonight into the morning of March 2. Maintenance is scheduled through March 5, and drivers should consider the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) as a primary alternative during overnight hours.
• Bay Bridge (US 50/301): One-way traffic patterns and lane closures are scheduled for the week of March 1–7. Drivers returning from the Eastern Shore this afternoon should anticipate potential delays during the peak return window.
• I-70 Bridge Work: Maintenance on bridge joints continues at the Baltimore/Howard County line over the Patapsco River and CSX Railroad tracks, which may result in intermittent shoulder closures for westward travelers.

Public Transit: MARC and Bus Alerts

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has implemented several changes that affect Sunday and early Monday commuters:

• MARC Penn Line: Significant schedule modifications remain in place due to extensive Amtrak trackwork. Commuters are advised that Train 634 will temporarily bypass the West Baltimore stop. This service is not expected to be restored at that station until March 16.
• Local Bus Detours: The CityLink Pink route continues to operate on a designated detour. Riders are encouraged to use the MTA eAlert system or real-time tracking apps to confirm stop locations.

Safety remains a priority as construction crews work through the winter months. Please stay alert, avoid distractions in work zones, and allow for extra travel time if your route includes the I-695 corridor today.