The Baltimore City Department of Transportation today announced the launch of
the Lombard Street Improvement Project, a project that was originally scheduled to
begin in early spring, but was delayed until July 15, 2009 because of an
unexpected water main break. Since then, most of the infrastructure repairs have
been completed and we are now ready to embark on the next phases of the project.
The project is expected to be completed by late fall. On Wednesday, July 15, 2009
improvements such as milling, resurfacing and sidewalk repairs will get underway.
Motorists should expect delays and pay strict attention to all parking restrictions
and new traffic patterns in the vicinity. Special Traffic Enforcement Officers
(STEOs), Variable Message Signs (VMS) and traffic signal optimization will help
assist with the flow of traffic.
Phase I of milling and resurfacing begins on Lombard Street from east of Light
Street to President Street temporarily closing several lanes of traffic. At least three
lanes of traffic on Lombard Street will remain open at all times. When Phase II of
the milling and resurfacing occurs on Lombard Street from west of Light Street to
MLK Boulevard at least two lanes of traffic will remain open at all times. Several
parking restrictions will be implemented periodically on Fayette Street during
construction to minimize possible congestion in the area.
Business and community leaders have been briefed on the merits of the project.
Various precautions will be taken to minimize disruptions to businesses and
pedestrians during the construction period. Contractors working on the Lombard
Street Improvement Project will often work extended hours to expedite the
project. Access to local area businesses will be maintained at all times.
Contractors will also give consideration to noise levels around area hospitals and
hotels and have agreed to keep noise to a minimum during late night and early
morning hours.
Traffic delays are inevitable. Leave early to allow extra travel time. Use alternative
transportation choices to commute downtown if possible such as MTA bus service,
the Charm City Circulator, water taxi, car pooling, biking and walking.
To plan your travel routes ahead of time or to learn more about the Lombard
Street Improvement Project you may go to the following websites:
 www.lombardproject.com/routes/ (to view traffic cameras live)
 www.baltimorecity.gov/transporation (to view traffic cameras live)
 www.trafficland.com (to view traffic cameras live)
 www.GetAroundDowntown.com (to view traffic cameras live)
Alternate Routes:
 Traffic traveling downtown from the east (Fells Point and Canton) areas etc.
should use Central Avenue north, to west on Orleans Street. Follow Orleans
Street west, to south on Martin Luther King Boulevard (MLK) or Greene
Street to go to University of Maryland, stadium events, Baltimore-
Washington Parkway (295) or I-95.
 Traffic traveling southbound I-83 going to I-95/I-395, Exit off I-83 at North
Avenue towards Mount Royal Avenue, to Martin Luther King Boulevard to
I-95/I-395.
Congestion Zone for the Lombard Street Improvement Project
(boundaries include):
 East and west between President Street and Martin Luther King
Boulevard.
 North and south between Pratt Street and Lexington Street