I-95 Construction About To Cause Problems For Drivers

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Phase two of a major construction project is creating more headaches and congestion for drivers. The $64 million project is shutting down sections of I-95.

Marcus Washington has more on what drivers can expect.

Drivers can expect to see changes south of the Ft. McHenry tunnel in both directions.

It's part of the Maryland Transportation Authority's $64 million construction project entering its second phase.

"It's very hectic," said driver Leonard Hedrick.

Which means drivers can expect more changes and more delays.

"Congested, hard," said driver Warren Beads.

Here's a list of what drivers can expect: the on-ramp from Key Highway to southbound 95 is closed for the next month. Northbound 95 between Caton Avenue and Russell Street, the left lane is closed for the next two months and drivers wanting to exit at Russell Street will now have to exit at Caton Avenue.

Northbound Exit 51, which is Washington Boulevard, is closed for two weeks and the Key Highway Exit (55) is closed for three weeks.

"I may go down Monroe Street and go another way to Caton Avenue," Beads said.

A lot of drivers who use I-95 often say it's not a pretty sight if you're stuck in the area during rush hour.

"Trying to figure out how to get around," Hedrick said. "Sometimes we get lost."

But there are others, like limousine driver Patti Gogo, who navigate the congestion.

"Our bosses gave us a printout of new directions to go, how to get around the construction so we don't have to sit in all that traffic on I-95," she said.

While many people say it's a headache dealing with the congestion, they also say you're just going to have to deal with it.

"Well, yeah, if it's better for driving, I'm all for seeing that the lane close. If it's for the better of the city, street and potholes and things of that nature," Beads said.

"It is what it is," Hedrick said. "We can't control it."

A lot of the time, it's learning what's open and what's close by traveling 95, but this really is just to give you a head's up of what to expect---oh, and the major impact part of this construction projection is scheduled to last until the fall.

The toll project is completely funded through toll revenue.