Baltimore, MD (Saturday,  January 18, 2025) — The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) in partnership with the Office of Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced today the cancellation of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. parade originally set to take place on January 20, 2025, amidst inclement weather predictions.

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Baltimore Mayor’s Office: Update on Winter Storm Management

BALTIMORE, MD (Sunday, January 19, 2025) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following update regarding City Government efforts to confront the winter storm impacting Baltimore and the region.  

The Baltimore City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated.  

For updated weather forecasts and traffic conditions, residents should tune into local news stations, check social media resources and visit the city’s snow page at snow.baltimore city.gov. 

Forecast Update 

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 7:00 p.m. Total snow accumulation between 2-4 inches is expected.  Temperatures will drop into the 20s this evening, and freezing conditions are expected.  

Ongoing Road Treatment & Crew Deployment 

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) snow crews and contractors have been fully activated in preparation for this storm since 8:00 a.m. this morning.   

Main streets, school zones, and emergency routes to hospitals are among the first areas to be plowed and salted.  Crews will focus on all primary and secondary zones, and will treatment roads ahead of the freezing temperature drop this evening.  A full deployment of available crews continues, with over 230 DOT snow vehicles and equipment currently deployed and over 400 additional contractor vehicles in rotation. 

The BCDOT would like to remind residents and businesses to be good neighbors by clearing snow and ice from the public sidewalks surrounding their property.  

Closures & Service Delays 

DPW has suspended Mechanical Street Sweeping operations until further notice. 

DPW & DOT, supported by emergency contractors, continue to coordinate to prioritize outstanding collections. Residents with missed trash or recycling pickups are encouraged to call 311 to assist crews in resolving delays. 

Reminders for Residents 

• Take the necessary precautions for yourselves and your families. 

• Check on elderly or sick neighbors 

• Stay home and off the roads, if possible. If travel is necessary, drive slowly and take added precautions. 

• Shovel and salt the areas/sidewalks outside of your homes and businesses. 

• Do not park in emergency snow zones. 

• Do not crowd the plow. 

• Street sweeping is not in effect. 

• Be careful with secondary heating sources like space heaters. Always use as directed and avoid placing them anywhere that may be a fire hazard. 

• If you experience issues related to building heat being out, you can contact 311 who may be able to provide assistance. 

• Ensure smoke alarms are in working order and establish a fire safety plan for your entire family. 

• Remember to bring pets indoors whenever possible. If your pet is outdoors, they must be protected by a well-constructed, raised shelter that is dry and draft-free. Sufficient bedding and a door flap must be in place to maintain body heat. Fresh, unfrozen, drinkable water must be provided at all times. If you witness a pet without adequate shelter, contact animal control via 311 (phone or app). If you believe an animal is in immediate life-threatening danger, call 911.   

• Stay tuned to the DOT social media for tips and tricks for the weather 

Water Main Breaks 

Increased Breaks 

• Freezing and thawing cycles from recent severe weather have caused an increase in water main breaks across Baltimore City and Baltimore County service areas. 

Current Efforts 

• DPW has deployed extra crews and emergency contractors to repair breaks as quickly and safely as possible, prioritizing service restoration. Crews will continue work throughout the weekend and the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. 

Infrastructure Modernization 

• The City’s 15-mile water main replacement program remains underway to improve long-term reliability. 

What Residents Can Do 

Report Water Main Breaks 

• Baltimore City: Call 311 or use the mobile app/online portal. 

• Baltimore County: Call 443-263-2220. 

• Track repair progress on DPW’s Interactive Map. 

Prevent Frozen Pipes 

• Let a thin stream of water run from a basement faucet to prevent freezing. 

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to reach pipes. 

• Shut off water to outdoor faucets and insulate pipes in unheated areas. 

• Locate and test your home’s water shutoff valve. 

• Keep bottled water on hand for emergencies. 

Property Maintenance 

• Property owners are responsible for water lines from the meter to their homes and internal plumbing. 

Snow Emergency Routes 

The Department of Transportation advises motorists to avoid parking along designated Snow Emergency Routes.  

Snow Emergency Routes are clearly marked with black and white signs and residents should follow all posted signage. Residents that park along these designated routes obstruct the movement of snow plows and hinder safe snow removal efforts. Residents with questions concerning the location of their vehicles should call 311. 

Code Blue Extreme Cold Declaration & Winter Shelter Activation 

The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) has issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Declaration Sunday night, January 19, 2025, through Thursday, January 23, 2025.   

Please take the necessary precautions, stay indoors whenever possible, and check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones. 

More information on Code Blue Extreme Cold Declarations can be found here: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/emergency-preparedness-response/code-blue  

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has declared a Code Purple Winter Shelter Activation which will be in effect until Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. 

Residents who are in need of emergency shelter should call the Baltimore City Shelter Hotline at (443) 984-9540 which has extended hours of operation during winter shelter activation from 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. After 9:00 p.m. residents should call (443) 695-7378 to be connected to emergency shelter.  

For a full list of warming centers, emergency shelters, and additional resources available during winter shelter activation, visit homeless.baltimorecity.gov/winter-shelter.  

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New 311 Service Request for Misparked Scooters and E-Bikes

Baltimore, MD (December 9, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) Director Corren Johnson announced that residents can now report misparked rentable scooters and e-bikes to 311.  Once a misparked scooter or e-bike is reported to Lime or Spin through 311 these companies must correct the parking issue within 24 hours. The goal of this initiative is to increase safety for all residents, including those renting vehicles, sharing the sidewalk, and using the road. 

The City’s dockless mobility program promotes transportation options for healthier communities and a cleaner environment. So far in 2024, more than 1.4 million trips have been taken on scooters and e-bikes in Baltimore City. Dockless vehicles are a fun and sustainable way to travel; however, at the end of a trip they are sometimes left on the side of the road or found blocking sidewalks and curbs. The correct way to park a scooter or e-bike is to ensure the vehicle is upright and parked in a way that allows pedestrians and those with mobility devices to pass.

The BCDOT is encouraging residents to use the new 311 Service Request to report scooters and e-bikes that are in the way. The new service request is under the category of Parking, Signals and Signs as "Scooter and E-Bike Parking." Scooters and e-bikes that meet one of the conditions below qualify:

311: Parking, Signals and Signs: Scooter and E-Bike Parking:

•  Blocking 
  • a building entrance
  • an entrance or exit to/from a residence
  • a bus stop
  • a sidewalk or path (less than 3 feet of space available to pass)
• Parked
  
  • on a ramp or between two ramps
  • on private property

The GPS pin feature in 311 or an accurately entered address will help companies locate misparked scooters or e-bikes. Additionally, both Spin and Lime offer discounts for users who park correctly in designated corrals that are listed in each of the apps.  Damaged scooters or e-bikes should still be reported through the company's app for removal. 

Click here to access the micromobility program website if you are in need of addition information.

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Department of Transportation to Resume Daily Storage Fees for Impounded Vehicles Starting Monday, July 22nd

BALTIMORE, MD (July 18, 2024) – The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) announced today that it will soon resume the assessment of daily storage fees for vehicles impounded at its Pulaski Highway and Fallsway Facilities.

Starting on Monday, July 22, 2024, daily storage fees for impounded vehicles will resume.  The resumption of these towing fees coincides with the resumption of late fees on outstanding parking penalties, which was announced in June 2024. These fees were also paused throughout much of the COVID-19 pandemic and their resumption is critical for FY2025, as outlined in this year’s budget process.

Vehicles at the Pulaski Highway or Fallsway facilities that remain impounded after the initial 48 hours will be charged a storage fee of $15 per day for 2-axel vehicles with 4 wheels, including weekends and holidays.  Larger vehicles such as dually trucks with six wheels or those with 3 or more axels will be charged a storage fee of $30 per day.

Owners of vehicles that are currently impounded are encouraged to retrieve their vehicles before July 22, 2024, to avoid having daily storage fees assessed.  Before vehicles are released, the proper documentation must be provided, including proof of ownership, and verified by BCDOT staff.  In addition, all towing and storage fees along with any citations associated with the vehicle must be paid.  Please note that towing and storage fees are waived for stolen vehicles with proper documentation.

Motorists are encouraged to call 410-396-9958 to schedule an appointment at the Pulaski Highway facility or click here to visit the Baltimore City, Towing Vehical Recovery Unit for additional information.

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Mayor Scott, BCDOT Announce Start Date for Expanded Charm City Circulator Service in Cherry Hill Community

New Circulator Route Will Begin Running on June 23, 2024

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, May 22, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Department of Transportation Director Corren Johnson announced expanded service improvements to the Charm City Circulator (CCC), the City of Baltimore’s fare-free bus service providing transit in the downtown area and beyond, will be implemented on June 23, 2024. The service enhancements include a long-anticipated new CCC route, which will serve the Cherry Hill neighborhood, as well as changes to the northern and southern ends of the Purple Route.

The new northern end of the Purple Route extension will connect residents to a hospital system and food hub. The addition of the Cherry Hill Route is a service connection lauded by community and transit advocates as an important step in service equity for Baltimore City. Many residents and businesses alike see the route as an opportunity for enhanced connectivity, greater economic mobility, and a more reliable commute. The expanded network will allow ease of access to job opportunities, entertainment, and all Downtown Baltimore has to offer.

The new Cherry Route will operate between the Inner Harbor and Cherry Hill in southwest Baltimore. Destinations along this new route include Federal Hill, Riverside, McHenry Row, Baltimore Peninsula, Middle Branch Park, MedStar Harbor Hospital, and the Cherry Hill Light Rail Station. Circulator buses along this route will run on a 20-minute frequency.

In addition to the new Cherry Route, the alignment along the Purple Route will be modified. Because the Cherry Route will serve the Federal Hill neighborhood, the Purple Route will no longer travel south of Montgomery Street. Additionally, on the north end of the Purple Route, service will be extended east along 33rd Street to Greenmount Avenue. Additional destinations served along the Purple Route’s new extension include MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and Giant Food.

The Cherry Route will operate on a 20-minute frequency; the Purple Route will operate on a 13-minute frequency; the Orange Route will operate on a 10-minute frequency; the Green Route will operate on a 20-minute frequency; and the Banner Route will operate on a 40-minute frequency.

These service improvements were derived through the Transit Development Plan (TDP) process, which took place throughout 2021 and 2022. The TDP aims to create a roadmap for the Circulator’s future and improve the equity of service. These changes utilize the Circulator’s existing 23-bus fleet and are within the CCC’s existing budget.

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation continues to coordinate with partner agencies and other stakeholders to determine implementation timelines and feasibility of additional changes laid out in the Transit Development Plan.

A service map reflecting the changes that take effect on June 23 is shown below.

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Baltimore City Road Closures and Recommended Truck Routes Due to the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - The Baltimore City Department of Transportation has been working closely with local, state, and federal partners since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge early this morning.  

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is actively evaluating the projected impact of the bridge collapse on City corridors, particularly our designated truck routes. Higher traffic volumes on City roads are anticipated, particularly along designated truck route corridors, and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation is actively working on plans to help mitigate the impact on local communities. 

In order to minimize impacts, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation is modifying our official truck map which details how truck drivers may use Baltimore City roads and highways.  Please refer to the GIS map for the most up-to-date route information:  Baltimore City Official Truck Routes (arcgis.com).
Truckers are encouraged to continue checking this official map in the coming days as additional modifications may be made. 

Motorists should also be aware that portions of Fort Armistead Road and Hawkins Point Road are closed at this time.  Drivers are encouraged to download the Waze.com app for live detour navigation.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott Officially Declares Local State of Emergency in Response to the Collapse of the Key Bridge

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - Mayor Brandon M. Scott has officially declared a local State of Emergency in response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The Executive Order mobilizes the City of Baltimore’s Emergency Operations Plan to deploy emergency resources to protect the persons affected by the incident and expands the resources available to tackle the emergency situation.