Francis Scott Key Bridge Traffic Update
In response to the tragedy of the Key Bridge’s collapse, I wanted to share the following traffic updates with you:
Closures
I-695 Outer Loop is closed at MD 10 (exit 2)
I-695 Inner Loop is closed at MD
Detours
I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) are recommended for north-south routes, with the exception of vehicles carrying prohibited materials or oversized vehicles
Vehicles carrying prohibited materials and oversized vehicles should use I-695 between Essex and Glen Burnie; this includes vehicles carrying bottled propane gas in excess of 10 pounds per container (maximum 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, and significant amounts of radioactive materials.
Vehicles in excess of 13’-6”, in height, or 96” (8 feet) in width are prohibited from using the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. I-95 Ft. McHenry Tunnel restrictions are height – 14’-6” and width 11’-0”.
Notifications
Overhead dynamic messaging on major routes is messaging the bridge closure and diversion of commercial vehicles with HAZMAT and overweight/oversized loads away from the tunnels.
Portable message signage is also deployed at local detour routes around the bridge.
Coordination is ongoing with commercial routing companies and navigation apps (google, waze, etc.)
$3.35 Million for Harmer’s Town Art Center
I am incredibly excited to announce that Harmer’s Town Art Center Inc. (HTAC) will be receiving $3,351,000 under the Congressionally Directed Spending Program, to be used towards renovating their facilities. Located at 115 Market Street in Havre de Grace, the renovations will happen in four major phases;
Phase 1: All infrastructure will be modified to fit ADA requirements and open roughly 25 artist studios, as well as a gallery and a gift shop.
Phase 2: A “makerspace” area, fully equipped with tools for wood shopping and ceramics will be opened.
Phase 3: The Havre de Grace Museum will be fully renovated.
Phase 4: Additional artist studios and classrooms will be opened.
New Tax Portal for Businesses
My office received an update on the new tax portal that the Comptroller’s Office has developed for businesses which I wanted to share. We received the following message:
“We wanted to provide you with information about Maryland Tax Connect (the new business tax portal_ that you can pass on directly to the business leaders in your district.
In order to ensure business leaders have familiarity with our new tax portal, our agency is rolling out an ongoing webinar series.
Throughout March and April, join our expert-led webinars designed to guide business leaders through Maryland Tax Connect’s key features. Attendees will learn how to navigate the portal and get answers to common questions. Webinar and RSVP details can be found at bit.ly/MTCRSVP24.
During these sessions, we’ll provide practical tips and have live Q&A sessions to address concerns promptly. Additionally, the responses from these questions will be updated into our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Webinars will be hosted every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of April.”
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact my office 410-841-3158 or marydulany.james@senate.state.md.us.
Sincerely,
Mary-Dulany James
Senator
Harford County
Maryland General Assembly