FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WELCOME BACK!
AHEAD OF SCHEDULE: ALL LANES NOW REOPENED ON
NEW #895BMORE BRIDGE & IN HARBOR TUNNEL
MDTA Thanks Motorists for Their Patience; Off-Peak Work Remains
BALTIMORE, MD (December 16, 2020) – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has reopened the newly constructed I-895 bridge north of the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) during peak times, with two lanes of traffic in both the northbound and southbound directions from north of the tunnel, through the tunnel and to the toll plaza. This milestone transitions into the next and final phase of the three-year, $189 million I-895 Bridge Project to replace the 60-year-old bridges and Holabird Avenue exit ramp north of the Harbor Tunnel, and to rehabilitate the Harbor Tunnel.
Although all lanes are now open to traffic during peak times, motorists should expect lane closures during off-peak travel times into summer 2021 as crews complete shoulder work and final paving. Additionally, off-peak closures for routine maintenance and inspections will continue. For details on the project, visit 895bmore.com and follow @The MDTA on Twitter, hashtag #895BMORE.
“We appreciate the patience of local commuters, businesses and visitors who rely on the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel as our crews have worked hard to deliver the critical project,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman Gregory Slater. “I am incredibly grateful for the crews from the MDTA and its construction partners, who have worked throughout the COVID-19 state of emergency to reopen traffic lanes ahead of schedule.”
The new northbound and southbound I-895 structures replace the MDTA’s only poorly-rated bridge in its inventory, moving Maryland one step closer to fulfilling Governor Larry Hogan’s 2015 commitment to replace every deficient bridge identified at that time.
Reminder: Use E-ZPass for Lowest Toll Rates
“As motorists return to I-895, we want to remind them that E-ZPass® customers pay the lowest tolls,” said MDTA Executive Director James F. Ports, Jr. “With the return of standard Video Toll rates fast approaching, there has never been a better time to register for a free E-ZPass transponder and start saving.”
With standard Video Toll rates resuming statewide January 1, 2021, the MDTA encourages motorists to get E-ZPass and join the 1.4 million drivers who pay the lowest tolls with E-ZPass Maryland. Transponders are free, there’s no monthly fee for Maryland addresses and sign-up is available 24/7 at ezpassmd.com.
The I-895 project is an example of the work performed by the MDTA during the COVID-19 emergency while continuing to focus on the health and safety of work crews and customers. In the past year, the MDTA has delivered both the I-895 bridge work and the Bay Bridge westbound right lane rehabilitation ahead of schedule, and has begun work on replacing the Nice/Middleton Bridge in Charles County. For updates and real-time information on major incidents, follow the MDTA on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA.
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