State transportation officials are preparing to close down seven light rail stops in the city starting next Tuesday in order to make some major repairs.
The work will halt service between the Maryland Transit Administration’s North Avenue and Camden Yards light rail stations from July 25 to Aug. 11, according to a release from the agency. “Critical maintenance work” will include replacing rails as necessary and performing track work.
Those who do take the train along that route will need to hop off and head to the street level, where shuttles will be waiting. The “bus bridge” will include local and express buses during all hours when the train would normally be running. The express buses will go straight from North Avenue to Camden Yards, while the local ones will stop at each of the seven stops in between.
The Penn Station stop will also have a free shuttle running to and from the North Avenue station.
Unfortunately for cyclists, the agency says bikes won’t be allowed on the buses.
“Nothing is more important than our customers’ safety,” said Kevin Quinn, the MTA’s acting administrator, in a statement. “We will do everything possible to minimize the inconvenience to our customers during these necessary repairs. Please plan ahead and allow more time for your travel while we complete this critical rail work to enhance the safety, efficiency and reliability of our service.”
Luckily, the state is holding off on the maintenance until after Artscape. Baltimore’s free annual outdoor arts festival runs from Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23.
