New Ramp Improves Access from Halethorpe MARC Station to Northbound I-695

(November 1, 2016) – On Thursday morning, November 3, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will open a new interchange ramp from US 1 (Southwestern Boulevard) to northbound I-695 (Baltimore Beltway inner loop) in Arbutus, Baltimore County.  SHA will have the new ramp open by 6 a.m., weather permitting.

The new ramp is part of SHA’s construction project to replace the two bridges carrying the inner loop of I-695 over Benson Avenue, AMTRAK and MARC rail lines, US 1 (Southwestern Boulevard) and Leeds Avenue.  The $37 million project also includes the reconstruction of Southwestern Boulevard between Linden Avenue and Knecht Avenue.

“Leeds Avenue residents will enjoy the reduction in traffic by their homes and MARC riders will enjoy a direct connection from the Halethorpe Station to northbound I-695,” said Acting District 4 Engineer Wendy Wolcott.  “SHA encourages motorists traveling within Arbutus to stay alert for changing traffic conditions on Southwestern Boulevard as drivers adjust to the new interchange ramp location.”

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.

Maryland drivers can also know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including construction or maintenance road work and lane closures and highway incidents creating travel delays.