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BALTIMORE, MD – As the City of Baltimore gears up for the 2013 Baltimore Grand Prix taking place this weekend, the MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) remind motorists to anticipate delays, plan ahead and Know Before You Go!
The Grand Prix will take place Friday, Aug. 30, through Sunday, Sept. 1. Event-related traffic, coupled with the more than 452,000 vehicles anticipated to travel the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) over the holiday weekend, will result in delays along the I-95 corridor. The heaviest traffic volumes are expected Thursday and Friday between 8 a.m. and noon and on Sunday evening. Commuters and event-goers heading into the Downtown/Inner Harbor areas of Baltimore during the morning rush hour on Thursday and Friday may experience queued traffic on I-95, I-395 and Russell Street.
Closures on and impacts to MDTA roadways and ramps are as follows (please note times are approximate and subject to change):
- Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 9 p.m. to 12 noon Monday, Sept. 2 – northbound
I-395 will be closed at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, with no access to Conway, Howard & Lee Streets. Motorists detoured to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.
- Thursday, Aug. 29 from 12:01 a.m. to 12 noon Monday, Sept. 2 – southbound
I-395 will be closed from Howard Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.
- Thursday, Aug. 29 from 7:00 p.m. to 12 noon Monday, Sept. 2 – the ramp from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to Lee Street will be closed.
- Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 2 – I-95 and I-895 will experience heavy traffic volumes due to the Labor Day holiday.
- Friday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Sept. 1 from 11:00 a.m. to mid-afternoon – I-95 at Exit 55 (Key Highway) and McComas Street will experience heavy traffic due to cruise ship departures.
Motorists are urged to take the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) if their destinations are north or south of Baltimore. Motorists heading into the city should consider alternate routes such as I-83, US 40, O’Donnell/Boston Street (Exit 57), Eastern Avenue (Exit 59) or Caton Avenue (Exit 50) to Washington Boulevard.
The MDTA Police will remain vigilant and target aggressive and impaired drivers, seatbelt violators and criminal activity. The MDTA and SHA will add additional emergency traffic patrols along MD 295, I-95 and I-695 this weekend to quickly clear incidents and assist disabled vehicles. MDTA and SHA personnel will monitor traffic conditions at their respective 24-hour Operations Centers, updating overhead message signs and providing up-to-date information to the traveling public.
The MDTA also offers the following travel tips:
- Plan Ahead:
- Know Before You Go - call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information. To view real-time traffic camera images on I-95/I-395 and other MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov.
- Allow additional travel time.
- For Grand Prix traffic information, including an interactive map of roadway closures, traffic patterns, parking and Maryland Transit Administration information, visit gptraffic.com. For information on the event, visit grandprixofbaltimore.com.
- The cash toll rate for two-axle vehicles at the Fort McHenry and Baltimore Harbor tunnels and the Key Bridge is $4. For current toll rates, visit mdta.maryland.gov and click on Toll Rate Calculator.
- Consider public transportation – Light Rail, Metro Subway and Local Bus provide transit options. Visit mta.maryland.gov for more information.
- For your safety and the safety of other motorists and emergency personnel:
- Electronic message signs will display travel times, delays, incidents and alternate routes.
- It is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
- Do not change lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.
- If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.
- Move over when passing an emergency situation. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
The MDTA will lift construction-related temporary lane closures at its facilities inside of the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) from 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3.
The MDTA thanks motorists for their patience. Stay Alert So No One Gets Hurt!
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