BALTIMORE, MD – As the city of Baltimore gears up for the Inaugural 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix event taking place this weekend, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) reminds motorists to anticipate delays, plan ahead and KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
With an expected attendance of more than 150,000, the Grand Prix will take place Friday, Sept. 2 through Sunday, Sept. 4. Event-related traffic, coupled with the more than 357,000 vehicles anticipated to travel the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) over the holiday weekend, will result in major delays along I-95 and I-395. The heaviest traffic volumes are expected each day between 8 a.m. and noon and on Sunday evening. Commuters and event-goers heading into Baltimore during the morning rush hour on Thursday and Friday will experience queued traffic on I-95, I-395 and Russell Street.
Closures on and impacts to MDTA roadways and ramps are as follows (please note times are approximate and subject to change):
• Wednesday, Aug. 31 from 7:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 – southbound I-395 will be closed from Howard Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
• Thursday, Sept. 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 – northbound I-395 will be closed at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard including access to Conway and Howard Streets. Motorists detoured to Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
• Thursday, Sept. 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 – ramp from northbound I-395 to Lee Street will be closed.
• Friday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 5 – I-95 and I-895 will experience heavy traffic volumes due to the Labor Day holiday.
• Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4 from 11:00 a.m. to mid-afternoon – northbound I-95 at Exit 55 (Key Highway) and on McComas Street will experience heavy traffic due to cruise ship departures.
In addition, other roadways around the area will be impacted. Motorists are urged to take the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) or the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) if their destinations are north or south of Baltimore. Motorists heading into the city should consider alternate routes such as I-83, US 40, Caton Avenue (Exit 50) to Washington Boulevard, or O’Donnell/Boston Street (Exit 57).
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will assist MDTA in an effort to keep traffic moving throughout the weekend. SHA and MDTA Emergency Response Units will patrol I-95 and other primary roads to respond quickly to incidents and disabled vehicles. We offer the following tips to help you travel safely through our facilities:
• Plan Ahead:
o “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!” Maryland now features FREE statewide travel information. Call 511 or visit MD511.org.
o Allow additional travel time.
o For Grand Prix traffic information, including an interactive map of roadway closures, traffic patterns, parking and Maryland Transit Administration information, visit gptraffic.com.
For information on the event, visit baltimoregrandprix.com
• When on the road:
o Pay attention to overhead electronic message signs that will display information on travel time, delays, incidents or alternate routes.
o Avoid Distracted Driving – Devote your full attention to driving – it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
o Be Courteous - Keep a safe following distance to avoid rear-end collisions, especially in slow-moving traffic conditions.
o Make sure your vehicle is “road ready.” Just one disabled vehicle or crash will cause immediate, extensive backups.
Thank you for your patience and Stay Alert So No One Gets Hurt!
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is an independent State agency that finances, owns and operates the State’s eight toll facilities. The MDTA’s Board Members, appointed by the Governor with consent of the State Senate, serve as the agency’s policy-setting and governing body. Maryland's Secretary of Transportation serves as MDTA Chairman.