Next Phase Of I-95 Construction Begins, Expect Major Delays
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Major roadwork and major headaches for drivers on I-95. The next phase of a $64 million project gets underway.
WJZ's Amy Yensi has the details.
The on-going construction enters its next phase. The left lane on northbound I-95 between exit 50 and 52 will be closed for two months.
Also on the northbound – the Key Highway ramp exit 55 will be closed for three weeks--the southbound side with detours of its own. Traffic lanes will shift on all four lanes to the left from the Fort McHenry Tunnel to Hannover Street.
"That's going to have a major impact on commuters there trying to get into the city," said John Sales, MDTA.
MDTA recommends the drivers use alternate routes and expect heavy delays.
New traffic patterns are part of the MDTA's two year $64 million project to remove and replace the existing concrete service surface in Baltimore City.
Though gridlock can be tough, some say the road built in the 1970s is in desperate need of a facelift.
"I understand it's necessary and there's never a good time to do it," said one driver.
Though the first rounds of construction got underway months ago some drivers are still having trouble getting around.
"By the time you figure out, 'Oh I'm going right' and you can't get over anymore because they already have that divide," another driver said.
Something she'll have to bear for a while longer. The full I-95 preservation project is slated for completion in October.
During this phase of construction, the lane and ramp closures will be in effect 24 hours a day, 7days a week.
The toll project is completely funded through toll revenue.