Baltimore City will improve pedestrian safety with updated crosswalks, ramps, signals and signage at intersections along Pratt Street near the Inner Harbor, starting in mid-May.
As part of the rollout of the Inner Harbor Intersection Improvement Project, the city will hold a community meeting from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at the Baltimore Convention Center.
“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,” Mayor Brandon Scott said in a statement. “Significant change is happening across downtown – including the reimagining of Harborplace and the investments driven by our Downtown Rise program.”
Scott added, “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.”
Baltimore officials plan to implement “continental style” crosswalks – a style which includes bold horizontal lines – to make crosswalks more visible to motorists, and ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps to make intersections more accessible.
Other improvements include countdown pedestrian signals providing clear timing, accessible pedestrian signals for pedestrians who are visually impaired, and new conduits to support these signal upgrades.
Officials will also install way-finding signage for bicyclists and pedestrians.
The intersection work is scheduled to begin in mid-May and last about 9 months. During the construction period, some lanes will be temporarily closed.
Lane closures will take place at night to minimize traffic disruptions. The city will also take into account high-traffic downtown events, such as Orioles and Ravens night games.
“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 Veronica P. McBeth, director of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, in a statement. “This project is designed to upgrade pedestrian infrastructure at the Inner Harbor for an inviting, more navigable urban environment.”
Residents can find additional information about the improvement project on the Department of Transportation’s Streets of Baltimore website.
