BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Transportation Authority on Monday announced that the northbound I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) extension will open to traffic on Wednesday, December 18. The 6.5-mile extension, which runs from White Marsh Boulevard (MD 43) to Mountain Road (MD 152), aims to alleviate congestion and offer commuters a more reliable travel option on one of Maryland’s busiest corridors.

To facilitate the opening of the northbound extension, the entire northbound ETL system will be temporarily closed starting Tuesday, December 17, at 8 p.m. Motorists should expect to use the adjacent mainline I-95 traffic lanes during this closure, which is anticipated to last until approximately 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18.

The northbound ETL extension will offer drivers a tolled option to bypass congestion and maintain steady speeds. Variable toll rates will be in effect, adjusting in real-time based on traffic flow and demand. This extension builds upon the existing I-95 ETL system, which originally opened in 2014 and has since served over 87 million users, 95% more than original use projections.

“The northbound I-95 Express Toll Lanes extension project provides travelers with a more reliable travel experience while easing congestion on our highways,” said MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner. “Through innovation and safety, this project represents our commitment to modernize Maryland’s infrastructure and enhance mobility options.”

The project incorporates a number of features designed for safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, including:

• State-of-the-art electronic tolling technology
• Updated signage for ease of navigation
• Additional entry and exit points
• Improved lighting
• Advanced stormwater management
• Safety features meeting the latest environmental standards

The MDTA worked closely with community stakeholders and environmental agencies to ensure that the extension aligns with Maryland’s sustainability goals, enhancing both infrastructure resilience and environmental stewardship. The MDTA anticipates that the northbound ETL extension will significantly reduce travel times, particularly during peak hours. The project is part of the MDTA’s long-term strategy to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of Maryland’s transportation network.

The northbound ETL will be fully extended to MD 24 by the end of 2027, along with new ramps connecting to I-695.

The updated toll rates are shown below and can be found on the MDTA toll rates web page.

Additional information is available on the MDTA I-95 Express Toll Lanes Northbound Extension web page.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.