The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe movement of people and goods within the city. This update compiles important notices and announcements from BCDOT, providing residents and motorists with essential information regarding traffic, public transportation, and city services. Stay informed about the latest initiatives from the Department Of Transportation Baltimore Md, designed to enhance your daily commute and city experience.
Navigating Downtown Baltimore: CIAA Basketball Tournament Traffic Advisory
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Basketball Tournament is a significant event in Baltimore, bringing excitement and increased traffic to the downtown area. The Baltimore City Department of Transportation issued an advisory to prepare motorists for potential congestion during the 2025 tournament held at the CFG Bank Arena.
Anticipate Heavy Traffic: From Tuesday, February 25th through Saturday, March 1st, 2025, heavy traffic is expected downtown due to tournament games scheduled throughout the week. If you plan to travel in the downtown area, especially around the CFG Bank Arena, factor in potential delays and increased travel times.
Lane Closures in Effect: To manage traffic flow around the arena, temporary lane closures were implemented from Tuesday, February 25th to Friday, February 28th, between 7:00 PM and 11:59 PM. These closures included:
- Left lane of Howard Street from Camden to Pratt Streets
- Right lane of Lombard Street from Hopkins Place to Howard Street
- Left lane of Baltimore Street from Howard Street to Park Avenue
- Left lane of Pratt Street from Eutaw to Howard Streets
On Saturday, March 1st, during the championship games, these lane closures were in effect from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Utilize Charm City Circulator: BCDOT encouraged attendees to take advantage of the Charm City Circulator, a free and convenient bus service. The Orange Route provides direct access to the CFG Bank Arena, with buses running every ten minutes until 8 PM on tournament days. Extended service was also offered on the Orange, Purple, and Cherry routes until midnight on Wednesday, February 26th, and Thursday, February 27th.
Parking and Ride-Sharing Options: For those driving, parking garages near the CFG Bank Arena were recommended. Ride-share users were directed to a designated pick-up/drop-off location on the south side of Baltimore Street at 2 Hopkins Plaza.
Streamlining Permitting: New OpenGov System for Special Events and Right-of-Way
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is committed to improving its services through technological advancements. A significant update was the launch of the new OpenGov Permitting System for Special Events and Temporary Right of Way Permits, starting February 18, 2025.
Enhanced Permitting Process: This new system aims to create a more efficient and user-friendly permitting experience. Key improvements include:
- Single Public Portal: A centralized interface for all permitting needs.
- Online Application and Submission: Users can complete applications and upload required documents in one place.
- Progress Tracking: Applicants can monitor the status of their permits online.
- Direct Communication: The system facilitates direct communication with BCDOT permitting teams.
- Online Payments: Secure online payment options are integrated.
BCDOT hosted a free hybrid demo session on February 13, 2025, to introduce the new system and guide users through the application process, demonstrating their commitment to a smooth transition.
Addressing Mis-parked Scooters and E-bikes through 311
Baltimore’s dockless mobility program offers convenient and eco-friendly transportation options. However, improperly parked scooters and e-bikes can create obstacles. The Department of Transportation Baltimore MD, in collaboration with Mayor Brandon M. Scott, introduced a 311 service request to address this issue, starting December 9, 2024.
Report Mis-parked Vehicles to 311: Residents can now report mis-parked rentable scooters and e-bikes directly to Lime or Spin through the 311 system. These companies are then required to resolve the parking issue within 24 hours. This initiative aims to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and all city residents.
Proper Parking Guidelines: The correct way to park these vehicles is upright and in a manner that doesn’t obstruct sidewalks or pedestrian paths.
Specific Parking Violations for 311 Reporting: The 311 service request, found under “Parking, Signals and Signs” as “Scooter and E-Bike Parking,” covers the following violations:
- Blocking: Building entrances, residential entrances/exits, bus stops, sidewalks or paths with less than 3 feet of clearance.
- Parked: On ramps, between ramps, or on private property.
Using the GPS pin feature in the 311 app or providing an accurate address helps companies locate the vehicles quickly. Both Spin and Lime offer incentives for users who park correctly in designated corrals. Damaged vehicles should still be reported directly through the respective company apps.
Resumption of Daily Storage Fees for Impounded Vehicles
Effective Monday, July 22, 2024, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation resumed daily storage fees for vehicles impounded at its Pulaski Highway and Fallsway Facilities. This measure, announced on July 18, 2024, is part of the city’s FY2025 budget and aligns with the reinstatement of late fees on parking penalties.
Storage Fee Details: Vehicles impounded for over 48 hours are subject to daily storage fees:
- $15 per day: For 2-axle vehicles with 4 wheels.
- $30 per day: For larger vehicles like dually trucks or those with 3 or more axles.
These fees apply daily, including weekends and holidays. Vehicle owners were encouraged to retrieve their impounded vehicles before July 22, 2024, to avoid these charges. Releasing vehicles requires proof of ownership, verification by BCDOT staff, and payment of all towing, storage fees, and associated citations. Notably, towing and storage fees are waived for stolen vehicles with proper documentation.
To schedule an appointment at the Pulaski Highway facility, motorists can call 410-396-9958.
Expanding Public Transit: Charm City Circulator Cherry Hill Route and Purple Route Enhancements
Baltimore City is continuously working to improve public transportation options. Mayor Brandon M. Scott and BCDOT Director Corren Johnson announced the launch of the new Cherry Hill Charm City Circulator route and enhancements to the Purple Route, implemented on June 23, 2024.
New Cherry Hill Route: This long-awaited route serves the Cherry Hill neighborhood, connecting it to the Inner Harbor and various key destinations including Federal Hill, Riverside, McHenry Row, Baltimore Peninsula, Middle Branch Park, MedStar Harbor Hospital, and the Cherry Hill Light Rail Station. Buses on the Cherry Route operate every 20 minutes, improving transit equity and accessibility for residents.
Purple Route Modifications: With the introduction of the Cherry Route, the Purple Route was adjusted to no longer serve south of Montgomery Street. Instead, the northern end of the Purple Route was extended east along 33rd Street to Greenmount Avenue, providing access to MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and Giant Food.
These service improvements are a result of the Transit Development Plan (TDP), aiming to enhance the Circulator network and promote equitable service throughout Baltimore City.
Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse: Road Closures and Truck Route Modifications
The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, prompted immediate responses from the Baltimore City Department of Transportation to manage the transportation network.
Traffic Impact and Truck Route Adjustments: BCDOT anticipated higher traffic volumes, especially on designated truck routes, due to the bridge collapse. To mitigate impacts, the official truck map was modified. Truck drivers are directed to consult the GIS map for the most current route information.
Road Closures: Portions of Fort Armistead Road and Hawkins Point Road were closed. Motorists were advised to use the Waze app for real-time detour navigation.
Local State of Emergency: In response to the Key Bridge collapse, Mayor Brandon M. Scott declared a local State of Emergency on March 26, 2024. This executive order mobilized city emergency resources to address the incident and support affected individuals.
Conclusion
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is actively working to maintain and improve the city’s transportation infrastructure and services. From traffic management during major events to implementing new technologies and expanding public transit, BCDOT remains dedicated to serving the residents and visitors of Baltimore. Staying informed about these updates from the Department of Transportation Baltimore MD ensures smoother travels and a better understanding of city initiatives.
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