Severe Winter Storm: MARC Suspended and I-95 Delays Impact Monday Commute

Severe Winter Storm Impacts Monday Morning Commute

Baltimore commuters are facing significant travel disruptions this Monday, January 26, 2026, following a major weekend winter storm that has left the region under a State of Emergency. While the National Weather Service's Winter Storm Warning officially expired at 4:00 AM, hazardous road conditions and significant transit suspensions remain in effect throughout the morning hours.

Public Transportation Alerts

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has implemented extensive service reductions to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Commuters who rely on rail or long-distance bus service are encouraged to seek alternative arrangements or avoid travel if possible:

• MARC Train: All service on the Penn, Camden, and Brunswick Lines is currently suspended for the day.
• Commuter Bus: All routes are suspended until further notice due to deteriorating road conditions.
• Local Bus: MTA is currently operating service on CityLink routes only. All other local bus routes are paused while crews continue to treat secondary and residential roads.
• Metro Subway and Light Rail: Both services are running on a regular weekday schedule; however, passengers should anticipate residual delays due to limited employee availability and weather-related safety checks.
• Mobility Service: Operations are scheduled to resume at 12:00 PM today, though residential street conditions may still impact pickup times.

Road Conditions and Major Arteries

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has declared a State of Emergency, and all non-essential Baltimore City government offices are closed today. For those who must be on the roads, travel is described as treacherous:

• I-95 Express Toll Lanes: Weather-related incidents and lane closures have been reported between MM 60.4 and MM 75.0 in Baltimore County. Heavy snow and ice have forced intermittent closures of the express lanes.
• I-695 (Baltimore Beltway): Major traffic pattern shifts are currently in place between Pikesville and Towson as part of the ongoing TSMO project. Commuters are advised to use extreme caution near the new center-median work zones, which may be difficult to navigate in low-visibility or icy conditions.
• I-895 (Harbor Tunnel): Emergency snow removal and salt applications are prioritizing the tunnel approaches. Standard overnight maintenance closures have been superseded by emergency weather response.
• Bay Bridge (US 50/301): Scheduled lane closures for the week of January 25–31 remain on the books, but high winds and icy surface conditions may trigger additional restrictions throughout the day.

Safety Recommendations

Officials strongly urge residents to avoid non-essential travel this morning. The Department of Public Works is focused on clearing primary arteries, but many side streets remain snow-covered. If you must drive, maintain a significant following distance and ensure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice before departing. For those using transit, monitor real-time updates via official agency social media channels as conditions can change rapidly.