Traffic 'Hellscape' Remains Year After Key Bridge Collapse

BALTIMORE, MD — Longer commutes, reduced family time and extra back pain continue to plague Maryland drivers a year after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

The Key Bridge carried more than 30,000 vehicles daily over the Patapsco River via Interstate 695 before the cargo ship Dali lost power and crashed into the crossing on March 26, 2024. Highway traffic has since diverted to the city's two tunnel crossings.

Because of the changes to the region's highway system brought on by the bridge collapse, April Pevear of Essex said she is "less likely to visit friends or family on the weekends." She avoids any activities requiring her to drive south, as her commute "is honestly a hellscape."

"It is bad enough that I have to endure the traffic during the week. It feels insufferable to subject myself to it on the weekend as well. I more pointedly feel the divide between north and south of the city. It is extremely isolating," Pevear, a doctor's office manager in Annapolis, told Patch.

Average daily traffic volumes increased by 15 percent at the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel and 7 percent at the I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. That's comparing fall 2024 to the same period in 2023 and 2022, the Maryland Transportation Authority said.

"While we have seen an increase in traffic at both tunnels, travel times at the Fort McHenry and Baltimore Harbor Tunnels vary by day of the week, time of day, and season of the year," the MDTA told Patch in an email.

Commute Times Spike

Drivers are fed up with the traffic. Commutes can take up to 20 to 60 minutes longer during peak hours.

Patch asked readers to share their traffic stories. Sixty-six responded to our non-scientific questionnaire.

"It has at minimum doubled my commute. I honestly dread going into work. Both AM & PM commutes are terrible. Unfortunately I do not have the ability to change my hours due to having to drop my daughter off at school," Middle River resident Heather Chirico, who works in accounting in Glen Burnie, said in the survey.

The MDTA, which operates the state's toll roads, said traffic tends to be worse southbound in the mornings and northbound in the afternoons and evenings.

Southbound morning delays added about 15 minutes to travel times around both tunnels, the MDTA said. Northbound afternoon congestion tacked on 20 minutes around the Fort McHenry Tunnel and 25 minutes around the Harbor Tunnel.

The MDTA said the busiest days are Tuesday through Thursday, aligning with when hybrid workers are usually in the office.

"The Maryland Transportation Authority certainly recognizes that the Key Bridge was a vital connection point for many Baltimore drivers, and we greatly appreciate motorists for their patience and cooperation in seeking alternative routes or transit options in the aftermath of the collapse," the MDTA said.

Meredith Olcott of Perry Hall has noticed that "traffic on 695 has increased dramatically, and the crowding has caused a lot more close calls with accidents."

"I have had to add at least 30 minutes to my travel time any time I need to go south on 95," said the human resources business partner who works in Linthicum and Frederick. "The afternoon commute in any of the tunnels is terrible, and even the express lanes get backed up, and it starts a lot earlier (2-3 p.m.)."

Last year, the MDTA launched its Harbor Crossings webpage to provide resources and details on heavy commute times. More information is available at mdta.maryland.gov/harborcrossings.

"Baltimore drivers should plan ahead for increased traffic on I-95 & I-895, and commuters should expect longer rush-hour periods and delays during heavy commute times in the Baltimore metro area," the MDTA said.

Sean Bender, a Nottingham resident, said he spends "at least an extra 5 hours a week in traffic."

"It hurts most because I'm missing time with my family. My daughters were 3 & 7 when the Dali ship crashed in 2024," said Bender, who works in accounting in Hanover.

Lost Family Time

The extra traffic has changed daily routines, from dinner plans to family time.

Andi Bonk, who lives near Patterson Park in Baltimore City, has "started buying pre-prepped dinners to save time." While convenient, she finds this option more expensive.

"Adding 3 hours of driving to an 8-hour work day is exhausting. I have no time or energy to cook dinner," said Bonk, who works in real estate marketing in Greenbelt.

Lisa Tydings, employed by an insurance company in Rosedale, "used to shop in North Baltimore County after work."

"Now I will not go up there because the bridge is gone and the traffic for the harbor tunnel or Fort McHenry Tunnel is horrific," the Arnold resident said.

Dundalk's Eddie Panowicz also feels the isolation.

"We have been cutoff from a good portion of our family and friends. Nobody really likes going through the tunnels when they don’t have to, especially since events like the dump truck flipping over inside the 95 tunnel [earlier this month,]" said the graphic designer who works in Pasadena.

Traffic Takes Toll On Health

Workers have shifted schedules when possible to dodge the brunt of the congestion.

"I now get up at 4:45 AM, so that I can get into the office earlier so that I can leave by 2:30 PM to avoid the heaviest traffic. Now[, I] am affected by less sleep and quality of life," said Baltimorean Tom Streib, who works in information technology in Columbia.

In extreme instances, the traffic has been physically detrimental.

"My chiropractor has noticed that I’m sitting more not just at work but in the car. I’ve had to change times for doctor’s appointments because I fear I may not make the appointment in time due to increased traffic. By the time I get home from sitting in traffic my mind and body are spent. I don’t want to do anything or talk to anyone," said Nottingham resident Terri Collins-Swain, a school counselor in Laurel.

The driving stress and the still-visible bridge remnants pose a mental health challenge for some.

"It has added so much stress to life. My mental health has taken a huge hit as well. It's exhausting and draining to drive to and from work now. Every time I drive by and see the missing bridge, I feel the anger build up inside me. It's going to be a longggggg three years," Chirico said, pointing to the replacement bridge's estimated completion date of October 2028.

Diversions Clog Local Roads

Drivers have also diverted to local roads to snake past the delays.

Katie Waterworth reported increased traffic through her town of Brooklyn Park.

"It has gotten a little better, but sometimes it would take 15 minutes to merge from rt 10 to rt2 north. The lights at cedar hill and Hammond lane also cause more traffic to pool on Ritchie highway. I see increased volume even on the weekends. There is much more traffic using Belle Grove rd to get into the city as well," said Waterworth, a teacher in Annapolis.

It's not just the Baltimore area that's backed up.

"Traffic going from Annapolis north is much more congested. I had an aging mother who passed recently and it sometimes took me two hours at rush hour to reach her in Dundalk. Ritchie Hwy. and 97 are very congested, especially 97," said Severna Park resident Heather Corasaniti, another teacher in Annapolis.

Pevear used to enjoy her 45-minute commute from Essex to Annapolis, but she now follows whatever back road is quickest. She has taken Route 702 to I-695, snaked through side streets to I-895 and driven through Baltimore City to hop on I-97 in Glen Burnie.

"It's awful. I don't dare leave a minute late because if I do, I know I [won't] get to work when I need to," Pevear said.

Pevear's commute home sometimes takes 90 to 120 minutes.

"Getting home is even worse," she said. "I have started parking in [parking lots] and reading to pass the time until it lets up even a little. All it takes is one accident in the tunnel, one disabled vehicle and it is ruined completely."