Jones Falls Expressway Nightly Closures
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation would like to advise motorists that overnight closures of the Jones Falls Expressway will continue next week in the vicinity of 29th Street. These overnight closures are needed for emergency repairs to collapsed drainage pipes that are located underneath of the expressway, which have caused significant washout and undermining conditions.
As construction work progresses, the following closures will be implemented along the Jones Falls Expressway:
Monday, May 21, 2012 - Full closure of the northbound Jones Falls Expressway will be implemented in the vicinity of 29th Street from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. with detours in effect.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 - Full closure of the southbound Jones Falls Expressway will be implemented in the vicinity of 29th Street from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. with detours in effect.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Full closure of the southbound Jones Falls Expressway will be implemented in the vicinity of 29th Street from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. with detours in effect. In addition, a double left lane closure will also be implemented along the northbound Jones Falls Expressway from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 24 and Friday, May 25, 2012 - Full closure of the northbound Jones Falls Expressway will be implemented each night in the vicinity of 29th Street from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. with detours in effect. In addition, a double left lane closure will also be implemented along the southbound Jones Falls Expressway from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. each night.
During the closures, traffic will be detoured off of the expressway onto the 28th Street exit and then to the 28th Street ramp. Motorists should continue left on Sisson Street and then left on 29th Street, back to the Jones Falls Expressway.
Once the closures are lifted, a single left lane closure will remain in effect in each direction along the expressway until construction is complete. Repair work is expected to take approximately six to eight weeks. However, the duration of construction is uncertain at this time, and the lane closures could extend beyond this period.
As repair work progresses, adjacent lanes of travel may be narrowed through the construction zone for the safety of work crews. In addition, adjacent travel lanes and full closures of the expressway may be implemented during evening and late night hours.
These closures will cause significant delays along the expressway, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak hours. To avoid delays during construction, motorists are strongly advised to use alternate routes when trying to access the downtown area during peak hours. Commuters should also consider using alternate modes of travel including the Light Rail and Metro Subway. If possible, motorists should modify their travel times to “come early and stay late" in order to avoid delays.
TRANSIT OPTIONS: The MTA operates the Metro which serves Northwest Baltimore City and County, and the Central Light Rail which serves points north. Note that the Metro and Light Rail are completely unaffected by traffic conditions. In addition, there are several express and local bus options. Transit information is available by calling 410-539-5000 or at www.mtamaryland.gov.
ALTERNATE ROUTES: For those who continue drive, there are a number of alternate routes that can be utilized:
- For motorists coming to or from Northwest Baltimore or northwest Baltimore County (including Pikesville, Reisterstown and Randallstown), alternate routes are Liberty Road/Liberty Heights Avenue, Reisterstown Road and Park Heights Avenue.
- For motorists coming to or from North Baltimore City or County (including Towson, Timonium and Cockeysville), alternate routes are Charles Street, York Road and Loch Raven Boulevard.
- For motorists coming to or from Northeast Baltimore City and County (including Parkville, Overlea and Perry Hall), alternate routes are Hillen Road/Perring Parkway, Harford Road and Belair Road.
The discovery of this safety hazard highlights not only the importance of routine maintenance and inspection, but the need for continued investment in our aging public infrastructure.