State highway officials will begin shifting traffic onto the new Charles Street Bridge over the Beltway this weekend. The changeover from the old bridge to the new bridge will mean flagging operations and traffic stoppages throughout the weekend. However, the old bridge will remain open to traffic during the shift.

SHA says the ramps from southbound I-83 and eastbound I-695 to Charles Street will be temporarily detoured to the MD 45 (York Road) interchange during the weekend. This will involve some detours to York Road, which -- as you know if you live in that area like I do -- is already going to be heavily stressed from Maryland State Fair traffic.

Also, according to the alert from the State Highway Administration:

The right-turn loop ramp from northbound Charles Street to westbound I-695 will remain closed this weekend. Motorists traveling from northbound Charles Street to westbound I-695 and northbound I-83 must stay left on Charles Street and go through the roundabout for the Bellona Avenue ramp. The loop ramp will re-open on Monday morning.

Additionally, the left-turn ramp from southbound Charles Street to eastbound I-695 (Inner Loop) will remain closed until late fall, and the posted detour through Lutherville will continue.

Photo courtesy of SHA