York Road Work Begins in Towson

A major, multi-year infrastructure project is set to get underway on MD 45 (York Road) in Towson beginning Sunday, December 14, signaling one of Baltimore County’s most significant coordinated roadway and utility upgrades in years. The work will bring consistent overnight lane closures and will require many motorists to adjust travel patterns for nearly two years.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and the Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation are partnering on the $9 million joint initiative, which will replace an aging county water line beneath York Road while simultaneously advancing a series of state-funded roadway and pedestrian upgrades.

Project Area and Timeline

The construction zone stretches from the Towson Roundabout at Joppa Road to Newell Avenue, just south of the Towson Bypass and Burke Avenue. According to project officials, work will continue through late fall 2027, weather permitting.

Pessoa Construction Company, the contractor leading the effort, will begin with the waterline replacement at Newell Avenue near Towson University before working north toward the roundabout throughout 2026. This sequencing allows the county to complete critical underground utility work before MDOT SHA moves forward with above-ground improvements.

What Drivers Can Expect

Regular overnight disruptions will begin almost immediately:

• Schedule: Sundays through Thursdays
• Hours: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Closures: Alternating single-lane and double-lane closures
• Capacity: Two lanes will remain open at all times
• Parking: Temporary on-street parking restrictions are likely in active construction areas

MDOT SHA is urging drivers traveling between I-695 and Baltimore City to plan ahead, expect delays, and consider using the Towson Bypass as a more reliable alternate route.

Infrastructure Upgrades

The project serves multiple long-term goals for the state and county:

Baltimore County’s responsibilities include:

• Full replacement of the aging underground water line beneath York Road

MDOT SHA’s improvements include:

• Upgrading the roadway drainage system
• Reconstructing commercial driveways to meet ADA standards
• Rebuilding and expanding sidewalk ramps for ADA compliance

Pedestrian access to homes, businesses, and institutions along York Road will remain open throughout the project. When sidewalk work is underway, crews will provide a temporary ADA-compliant path.

Part of Larger Regional Modernization

The York Road improvements join other coordinated State–County construction efforts, including utility and roadway upgrades on MD 139 (Charles Street) and MD 542 (Loch Raven Boulevard). Together, these initiatives aim to modernize aging infrastructure, improve safety, and support continued growth in Towson, one of Baltimore County’s most active commercial corridors.

Officials are reminding drivers to remain alert in work zones, follow posted speed reductions, and be prepared for frequent changes in traffic patterns as construction progresses.

Originally reported by Chris in Nottinghammd.