Critical Work to Increase Pedestrian Safety Will Occur at Night to Minimize Traffic Disruptions

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, April 28, 2025) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Veronica P. McBeth announced that the Inner Harbor Intersection Improvement Project along Pratt Street will begin in mid-May.

"This intersection improvement project along Pratt Street will contribute to a more accessible and inviting downtown environment that aligns with Baltimore's broader vision for safe urban mobility," said Mayor Scott. "Significant change is happening across downtown - including the reimagining of Harborplace and the investments driven by our Downtown Rise program. To meet this moment, my administration is committed to building a Downtown that is thriving, safe, and prioritizes the pedestrian experience to welcome residents and visitors alike every single day."

The Inner Harbor Intersection Improvement Project will enhance pedestrian safety, accessibility, and overall mobility along Pratt Street by upgrading roadway crossings at key intersections. The project extends along Pratt Street from Light to President Streets, with improvements being done at the intersections of Light, Calvert and President Streets.

Improvements include:

• High visibility 'continental style' crosswalks for pedestrian safety,
• ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps to ensure accessibility,
• Countdown pedestrian signals to provide clear timing for safer crossings,
• Accessible pedestrian signals to assist visually impaired pedestrians,
• Installation of bicycle and pedestrian way-finding signage,
• And the construction of new conduits to support pedestrian signal upgrades.

The intersection work is scheduled to begin in mid-May and will require temporary lane closures during construction. These closures will be adjusted to occur at night to minimize disruptions downtown.

"Although it's been a long time coming, we are excited to begin this construction project along Pratt Street that prioritizes pedestrian accessibility in the heart of downtown," said Director McBeth. "This project is designed to upgrade pedestrian infrastructure at the Inner Harbor for an inviting, more navigable urban environment."

This improvement work is expected to last about 9 months. Throughout the project, the city will take into consideration major events occurring downtown in the evenings, including night games at the stadiums, and adjust work schedules accordingly to minimize traffic impacts.

A community meeting will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center on Tuesday, April 29th from 6-8pm to inform project stakeholders, residents and businesses about the project. Additional information about the Inner Harbor Intersection Improvement project along Pratt Street can be found on DOT's Streets of Baltimore website at StreetsofBaltimore.com.