Thanksgiving week remains one of the busiest travel times of the year. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) offers drivers suggested drive times for I-95 and reminders to ease into the holiday season. MDTA is serious about everyone’s safety and committed to helping all travelers arrive safely at their destination. Plan, pack your patience, and think safety first.
In Baltimore, the southeast section of I-695 remains closed at MD 173 (Exit 1) on the Outer Loop and at MD 151/North Point Boulevard (Exit 42) on the Inner Loop. Drivers may consider the I-95 Express Toll Lanes in their travels between Baltimore and Harford counties, which features northbound lanes to Mountain Road (MD 152).
Motorists may encounter highway work zones. Safety remains paramount in highway work zones, which often have limited shoulders, narrow lanes, or other potential hazards. When traveling through or near these areas, reduce your speed, stay alert, and follow all posted signs and signals.
The MDTA provides the following suggested travel times for its major routes during the holiday period.
Recommended Times to Drive I-95
I-95 (JFK Memorial Highway and Fort McHenry Tunnel) best times to travel include:
- Tuesday, November 25 – before noon and after 10:00 p.m.;
- Wednesday, November 26 – before 8:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m.;
- Thursday, November 27 – before 8:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m.;
- Friday, November 28 – before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.;
- Saturday, November 29– before 8:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m.; and
- Sunday, November 30 – before 8:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m.
The I-95 travel plazas – Chesapeake House in Cecil County at mile marker 97 and Maryland House in Harford County at mile marker 82 – are open 24/7 with food, indoor/outdoor seating, fuel, and electric vehicle charging stations available. It Can Wait! Rest areas are designated as safe zones for texts.
Safety Reminders
Drivers should allow extra time to get to their destinations. Speeding equals less time to react and increases the severity of a crash. To minimize distractions while driving, always set up your GPS before you start your trip when you need directions. Driving while distracted is extremely dangerous for you, your passengers, and other roadway users. In Maryland, motorists must Move Over for all stopped vehicles displaying any caution signals or warning lights when approaching from the rear. Slow down if you cannot safely move over into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the stopped vehicle.
The MDTA Police and Emergency Response Units will have additional patrols on duty to respond quickly to incidents and disabled vehicles during the holiday period. If your vehicle breaks down, exit the roadway. If that isn’t possible, remain inside your vehicle and call #77 for assistance. For emergencies, please dial 911.
The MDTA Police remind drivers that it is never acceptable to drive while impaired by alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or illegal substances. Impaired driving endangers your life and others. During the holidays, law enforcement officers will remain vigilant and target dangerous driving, seat belt violations, and criminal activity. To report aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911.
Travelers also are reminded to pay attention to their surroundings and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. If you see something, say something. If there is an emergency, call MDTA Police Dispatch or dial 911.
What’s I-95 traffic like RIGHT NOW? Get Real-time traffic information for cities along Interstate 95. Maps show updates on I-95 road construction, traffic accidents, travel delays and the latest traffic speeds. I-95 traffic cameras show congestion at a glance. Visit I-95 Traffic.
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