The Department of Transportation would like to advise motorists to expect heavy volumes of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in and around the downtown area on Saturday, October 15^th for two big events. 

 The annual Baltimore Running Festival will take place starting in downtown near Camden Yards beginning at 8:00 am on Saturday October 15^th.  The Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show will take place beginning Monday, October 10^th and will run through the 16^th. 

We in Transportation are very excited about these spectacular events and want residents and visitors to come out and enjoy the festivities.  However, please be mindful that two of the biggest events of this magnitude are occurring on the same day in the city.  So from a traffic management standpoint, October 15^th will be quite challenging for commuters. 

 We strongly advise citizens to be aware of their travels on this day and to prepare and plan ahead.  The following are tips of information you need to know before you go:

Starting 5:AM Saturday morning, parking restrictions, road closures and lane closures will  be implemented in preparation for the marathon. 

Throughout the event, police will have to stop traffic from crossing the race route as runners make their way through the course.

Vehicles may be allowed to cross the routes when there are breaks in the race; however there will be significant traffic delays in the downtown business district and in communities along the footprint of the event.

 Just as we’ve done in years past, we advise citizens who have to travel on race day to allow plenty of extra travel time, as traffic will be delayed in many areas throughout the day. 

In addition to the marathon activities, we are expecting a large number of spectators for Fleet Week events on Saturday, October 15th.

 Visitors will be coming to the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Canton and Locust Point to tour the massive ships and view the air show.

 We are also expecting a large amount of guests for the commissioning of the U.S.S. Zumwalt, which will be docked in Locust Point.  

 Because of the commissioning activities, road closures and parking restrictions will be implemented in Locust Point throughout the weekend which is in addition to the marathon closures.

 Fort Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from Andre Street to Fort McHenry, Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 8PM each day. 

Citizens will be allowed to tour the ships docked in Locust Point and will also be able to access Fort McHenry, but will have to walk to their destinations.

We strongly encourage people not to drive to the closure point at Andre Street because parking will be very limited in Locust Point the entire weekend.

Parking in local neighborhoods and Residential Parking Permit (RPP) areas should be avoided at all times. 

Posted parking restrictions will be strictly enforced during the festivities; vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed and towed.

 Spectators looking to see the fleet in Locust Point or access Fort McHenry should park in downtown garages located north and east of the stadiums and either walk, bike or use mass transit to get to Locust Point.

 MTA buses and the Charm City Circulator will transport riders to the drop off point at Francis Scott Key Elementary School and then spectators will have to walk along Fort Avenue to reach their destinations.

Citizens are strongly encouraged to use the MTA, Light Rail, Metro Subway, or MARC Train. The Metro Subway is a great option for citizens traveling into and out of the city on Saturday, as it will not be affected by the marathon or Fleet Week festivities.

 And spectators are also encouraged to "Use Your Feet to See the Fleet" once they get downtown; walking and biking are great ways to enjoy the festivities.

 Citizens should also consider planning a Fleet Week visit for Sunday instead of Saturday in order to minimize travel delays.

 All of this information, along with closures related to the marathon, will be listed on our website at www.baltimorecity.gov and at MDFleetWeek.com.

 For up to date traffic information please follow us on Twitter @BmoreCityDOT or Baltimore City Transportation FB for current updates throughout the day.

The Department of Transportation is excited for the festivities and will be working throughout the week and into the weekend to help “keep Baltimore moving safely”. 

Please help us keep traffic moving safely by preparing wisely and planning ahead.

Baltimore City Department of Transportation:

“Keeping Baltimore Moving Safely”

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