Significant Lane Closures on I-695 and I-95 Impact Sunday Morning Commute

Sunday Morning Traffic Outlook

As we head into the first Sunday of February 2026, motorists in the Baltimore metropolitan area should prepare for several active construction zones that will impact travel times on major arteries. While the severe winter weather from late January has largely cleared, allowing for a return to standard Sunday traffic patterns, significant infrastructure projects continue to dictate the flow of the morning commute. Drivers are encouraged to plan for extra travel time, particularly on the western side of the Beltway and the northern reaches of the I-95 corridor.

Major Construction on the I-695 Beltway

The Maryland Department of Transportation has issued a construction traffic advisory for the week of February 1, 2026, regarding the I-695 Baltimore Beltway. Work crews are focusing on the segment between I-83 (Baltimore-Harrisburg Expressway) and US 40 (Baltimore National Pike). During the daytime hours this Sunday, motorists can expect intermittent shoulder closures and single-lane closures on the Outer Loop (Westbound and Southbound lanes). These disruptions are part of the broader effort to reconstruct highway shoulders and manage slope work along the Beltway. While Sunday morning traffic is typically lighter, these closures can create unexpected bottlenecks near Pikesville and Towson.

I-95 Express Toll Lane Expansion

Travelers heading north or south on I-95 will encounter ongoing work related to the $1.1 billion Express Toll Lane (ETL) Northbound Extension project. A critical shift in traffic patterns remains in effect on Southbound I-95 at the MD 24 interchange (Exit 77). Southbound traffic is currently split, with one lane directed to the left and three lanes to the right of temporary barrier walls. This split is expected to remain in place through fall 2026. Additionally, a reduced speed limit of 55 mph is strictly enforced through the work zone to ensure the safety of both motorists and construction crews. Those heading toward Harford County should remain alert for shifting lanes and clear signage as they approach the interchange.

Key Bridge Detour and Tunnel Updates

Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in 2024, the I-695 route remains severed at the Patapsco River. For this Sunday, and for the foreseeable future as bridge replacement efforts continue through 2030, all traffic must continue using the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel or the I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. While the Howard Street Tunnel project has achieved significant freight milestones, road travelers should remember that hazardous material restrictions remain in place for both harbor tunnels, necessitating longer detours for certain commercial vehicles.

Public Transportation and MTA Alerts

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has confirmed that all local bus, Light Rail, and Metro Subway services have resumed their regular Sunday schedules following the service suspensions caused by the winter storm on January 25. Riders are encouraged to use the recently launched safety and reporting app to stay informed of any real-time delays or security updates. While road conditions have improved significantly since the storm, some residential side streets may still have lingering icy patches, so commuters are advised to allow for extra time when walking to transit stops.