PARKVILLE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) is launching the next major phase of its massive $184 million I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) project this Sunday, October 12. The work, part of the Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) initiative, aims to reduce peak-hour congestion and improve travel reliability and safety on the Beltway.

The new phase will primarily focus on the median area between I-83 (Baltimore-Harrisburg Expressway) and MD 43 (White Marsh Boulevard).

 Lane Shifts and Timeline

Beginning Sunday, October 12, 2025, all existing travel lanes of I-695 in the project area will be shifted toward the existing outside shoulders. This will allow crews to establish a new work zone in the median.

The initial work in mid-October will involve:

  • Re-setting lane markings and reflective pavement markers.
  • Installing temporary construction signs.

The most significant changes will occur in January 2026 as the project transitions the main work zone:

  • Crews will remove concrete barrier walls from the existing work zone (between south of I-70 and between I-70 and Stevenson Road).
  • The barrier wall will then be relocated to create a new, long-term work zone on both the eastbound (inner loop) and westbound (outer loop) of I-695 between I-83 and MD 43.

Work Zone Schedule and Enforcement

Motorists should prepare for new lane closure schedules and continue to adhere to strict speed limits in the work zones.

  • Lane Closures: Off-peak, single-left-lane closures are expected on both the inner and outer loops of the Beltway:
    • Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Overnights: 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning.
  • Double Closures: Crews may occasionally close two lanes overnight, beginning at 10 p.m.
  • Reduced Speed Limit: The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph during work hours.

The SHA confirmed it will continue the Maryland Safe Zones automated speed enforcement measures throughout the I-695 TSMO work zone, utilizing warning signs, digital speed displays, and cameras. Drivers are urged to stay alert, avoid distractions, and plan extra travel time, as closures are not anticipated during morning and evening rush hours.

Project Goals and Completion

This phase of work is crucial to achieving two main goals of the overall TSMO project:

  1. Late Summer 2027: Opening the Part-Time Shoulder Use (PTSU) lane in both directions of I-695 between I-70 and I-83.
  2. Late Summer 2028: Opening the PTSU lane in both directions between I-83 and Lillian Holt Drive (just west of I-95).

Crews with contractor Concrete General, Inc. will also continue work on the I-695 sections between Pikesville and Towson, and between MD 43 and the Lillian Holt Drive overpass. The entire project uses digital message boards, temporary traffic signs, and barrels to guide motorists safely through the active work zones.

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