Beltway/Wilkens Traffic Changes Take Effect

Construction of will inconvenience drivers who exit onto Wilkens Avenue.

Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 4, the ramp leading to eastbound Wilkens Avenue will close, and all traffic for Wilkens will be directed to use the westbound exit ramp.

A new temporary traffic signal at Wilkens and Kenwood will become operational to facilitate left turns for those headed eastbound on Wilkens toward Baltimore City.

The eastbound ramp is expected to reopen in March of 2012, according to State Highway Administration officials.

Changes in traffic patterns will begin at around 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, when crews will close one lane of the inner loop of the beltway with concrete barriers, followed by the exit ramp at around 10 p.m.

Once the ramp is closed, all motorists traveling from northbound on the inner loop of the beltwat to eastbound or westbound Wilkens Avenue will be directed to use the next interchange ramp at Exit 12C, Wilkens Avenue - West.

After exiting the beltway, motorists headed west toward UMBC will still be able to turn right onto Wilkens Avenue. Those who are headed east on Wilkens toward Giant and Saint Agnes Hospital will turn left at the new traffic signal at Kenwood and Wilkens.

The new traffic pattern will be in effect by 5 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5., according to SHA.

The project to replace the bridge and ramps at Wilkens Avenue will cost about $13 million, according to SHA. The entire project is scheduled for completion by the summer of 2013.