Mayor Brandon M. Scott has announced plans for an intersection improvement project along Pratt Street in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, scheduled to begin in mid-May. According to the City of Baltimore, the project aims to step up pedestrian safety and enhance accessibility within the downtown area. Upgrades include new 'continental style' crosswalks, ADA-compliant ramps, and improved pedestrian signals, set to span from Light to President Streets.
The endeavor, which aligns with the broader mission of revitalizing downtown Baltimore, is part of the city's commitment to creating a safe, pedestrian-friendly urban space. "Significant change is happening across downtown - including the reimagining of Harborplace and the investments driven by our Downtown Rise program," Mayor Scott said, per the city's press release. "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 work will necessitate temporary lane closures, predominantly at night, to curb inconvenience for daily commuters and downtown visitors.
Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Veronica P. McBeth expressed excitement over the project's commencement, as reported in a city news release, stating, "Although it's been a long time coming, we are excited to begin this construction project along Pratt Street, which prioritizes pedestrian accessibility in the heart of downtown." The planned upgrades are designed to create a more inviting and navigable urban environment, with a duration of approximately nine months.
The construction is scheduled to minimize the impact on local traffic, especially during major events such as night games at the stadiums. A community meeting is slated for today at the Baltimore Convention Center to discuss the improvement project.
For further details about the Inner Harbor Intersection Improvement project, please visit the DOT's Streets of Baltimore website.
