Concert expected to bring traffic woes today
U2 could get caught in a downtown traffic jams.
The Downtown Partnership is warning drivers they could face significant delays Wednesday afternoon and evening as an estimated 75,000-80,000 people flock to the Ravens' stadium for a concert by U2.
The concert starts at 7 p.m., but its traffic effects are expected to begin hours before that. Commuters may want to seek out alternate routes or change their departure times to avoid the congestion.
The partnership also noted that light rail and Metro service is expected to continue for about an hour after the concert's scheduled end at 11 p.m. The Maryland Transit Administration said it would add capacity to both systems to help accommodate the expected throng of riders.
The partnership is warning that the traffic problems may not end with the concert. It says motorists can also expect a high level of activity around the Convention Center later this week. It is urging drivers to use transit and avoid peak hours.
Getting There recommends that commuters who normally use Lombard and Pratt streets to get through downtown at the evening peak switch to Franklin and Mulberry instead. Because Martin Luther King Boulevard is likely to be affected, southbound travelers might be better off taking Franklin (U.S. 40) to Caton Avenue and turning left there to get to Interstate 95.
Workers in Harbor East and Fell Point who are heading south should consider using Boston Street to reach the Fort McHenry Tunnel via Clinton Street and Keith Avenue.
Kathy Chopper, a spokeswoman for the Baltimore Department of Transportation, urged drivers who do not have stadium parking passes to use downtown parking garages and surface lots instead of seeking spaces in residential neighborhoods. She said most residential areas around the stadium have parking restrictions and warned that non-residents who park in those areas could be ticketed or towed.
Comments
I hope MTA is running extra and three car light rail trains. Otherwise us downtown workers headed south will not be able to get on since the trains will be full when they leave Timonium and people won't get off until M&T!
Posted by: Richard | June 22, 2011 10:53 AM
I'd also throw in the suggestion that folks not attending the concert who are commuting INTO Baltimore from the south/east this afternoon/evening (commuters returning home and folks visiting for a night out) avoid 295 and 395 entirely. Instead, use 895 and 95, entering the city via O'Donnell St, Eastern Ave, Lombard St, Pulaski Hwy, or Moravia Rd and work your way west from there.
You'll have to pay the toll, but I'd gladly cough up $2 to avoid the traffic that I can only imagine is in store for the Harbor area.
In fact, if you're visiting Baltimore for the evening (concert or otherwise), seriously consider taking the Light Rail, Subway, or MARC train.
It's on days like this that I rejoice in being a MARC commuter, to be sure.
Posted by: Rafi Guroian | June 22, 2011 11:19 AM
Is the Metro (subway) staying open late this evening?
METRO: Yes, Metro will also tun for an hour after the concert.
Posted by: Travis | June 22, 2011 11:23 AM
Anyone know the best way to get to the concert coming from Hanover area (near Arundel Mills Mall?
COMMENT: I would drive to the North Linthicum light rail station and take a train from there.
Posted by: Mark | June 22, 2011 12:04 PM