Winter Weather Recovery: Lane Closures on I-695 and Reduced Transit Schedules Delay Wednesday Morning Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Baltimore commuters are facing a challenging morning on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as the region recovers from a significant winter storm. With a State of Emergency still fresh in the memory of residents, city and state agencies have announced several modifications to standard travel. Baltimore City government offices are operating on a two-hour delayed opening for non-essential employees, and similar delays are in effect for the City Circuit and District Courts. Road conditions remain slick in patches, and transit services are running on reduced emergency schedules.

Major Highway Incidents and Roadworks

Travelers on the Baltimore Beltway and major north-south arteries should prepare for significant bottlenecks. The following real-time updates are in effect:

• I-695 (Baltimore Beltway):

  Ongoing median work for the Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project continues between I-83 and MD 43. Drivers can expect single-left-lane closures during off-peak hours (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Specifically, at Stevenson Road (Exit 21), lane and shoulder closures are currently impacting both the Inner and Outer Loops.

• I-83 (Jones Falls Expressway):

  A disabled vehicle is reported on I-83 Northbound prior to the West Cold Spring Lane exit (Exit 9A). Currently, one of three northbound traffic lanes and one shoulder are closed as responders work the scene.

• I-95 and Fort McHenry Tunnel:

  Due to lingering winter precipitation, two of the four northbound tunnel lanes in Bore 4 are currently closed. In Harford County, a planned traffic pattern shift at the MD 24 interchange has been postponed due to the weather, but motorists should still expect lane splits and a reduced speed limit of 55 mph in the area.

Public Transport and Rail Alerts

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has implemented winter weather service modifications to ensure passenger safety. Commuters relying on rail or bus services must verify their routes before heading out:

• MARC Train:

  All lines (Penn, Camden, and Brunswick) are operating on the "R" (Rain/Snow) schedule. Notably, Penn Line trains 403, 502, and 511 are cancelled or modified. The last departures from Baltimore and Washington are scheduled for 6:40 p.m. and 8:05 p.m., respectively.

• Commuter Bus:

  Most routes are operating on the "S" schedule. Riders should check specific route alerts as some services from outlying stations may be redirected to WMATA Rail Stations.

• Local Bus:

  Service is currently prioritized for CityLink routes. Delays should be expected across all active lines due to roadway conditions and operator availability.

Commuter Safety Tips

With temperatures remaining low, the MTA and local officials urge travelers to dress warmly and allow at least 30 to 45 minutes of additional travel time. Walking surfaces on train platforms and near bus stops may be slippery despite ongoing treatment. Drivers are reminded to clear all snow and ice from their vehicles before entering the highway to prevent visibility issues for themselves and others.