Light Rail Single-Tracking and Catonsville Event Delays Highlight Saturday Traffic
Saturday Morning Traffic: Watch for Light Rail Delays and Catonsville Events
Baltimore commuters and residents should prepare for a mix of transit adjustments and local event traffic this Saturday, March 14, 2026. While the major St. Patrick's Day Parade is scheduled for tomorrow, several pre-holiday celebrations and ongoing infrastructure projects will impact travel times across the metro area today.
Public Transit Alert: Light Rail Single-Tracking
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has issued a service advisory for the Light RailLink. Due to scheduled maintenance and infrastructure inspections, trains will be single-tracking between the BWI Marshall Airport/Glen Burnie and Hunt Valley stations. Passengers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes and are encouraged to allow extra travel time. Additionally, riders should remember that the Winter 2026 service adjustments are now in full effect, involving schedule modifications for CityLink Brown, Green, Lime, and Orange routes, as well as several LocalLink lines including the 22, 51, and 53.
Roadworks: I-695 and York Road Improvements
On the roads, the multi-phase Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project continues along the Baltimore Beltway. Motorists traveling on I-695 between Pikesville and Towson will encounter shifted lanes and concrete barriers as crews work on median shoulder conversions. While heavy construction is typically restricted during peak weekend hours, the narrowed lanes and reduced shoulder access require increased driver attention.
In the Towson area, York Road (MD 45) continues to undergo waterline replacement and highway improvements. While the most intensive lane closures are scheduled for Sunday through Thursday nights, residual steel plates and temporary lane markings between the Towson Roundabout and Newell Avenue may slow traffic throughout the day.
Local Events: Catonsville Congestion
Drivers in Western Baltimore County should expect localized congestion in Catonsville this afternoon. The annual pre-St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl is expected to draw significant crowds to the Frederick Road corridor between 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Increased pedestrian activity and limited parking near local landmarks like State Fare and G.L. Shacks will likely cause slow-moving traffic in the immediate area. Rideshare users are advised to establish pickup points away from the main Frederick Road strip to avoid the heaviest gridlock.
Sunday Look-Ahead: St. Patrick's Parade
Looking ahead to tomorrow, Sunday, March 15, the Baltimore Department of Transportation has already released a major traffic advisory for the downtown area. Extensive road closures will begin around noon for the Shamrock 5K and the St. Patrick’s Parade, primarily affecting Charles Street, Pratt Street, and the Washington Monument area. If you are planning to travel through the Inner Harbor tonight, keep an eye out for pre-staged barricades and parking restriction signs that will take effect early Sunday morning.