Highway Construction Project to Reduce Commute Times in Maryland

New ramp metering system on I-270 expected to save drivers up to 30 minutes during morning rush hour

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration announced a construction project along Interstate 270 that will implement a ramp metering system, designed to reduce congestion and save drivers up to 30 minutes on their morning commutes. The project is part of the larger I-270 Innovating Congestion Management initiative that began in 2021.

Why it matters

With tens of thousands of Marylanders relying on I-270 for their daily commute, this project represents an innovative approach to leveraging technology to improve traffic flow and reliability, which can have significant quality of life and economic benefits for the region.

The details

The ramp metering system will feature stoplights on 16 new ramps along the northbound lanes of I-270, allowing one car to pass through the ramp and onto the highway at a time. This is designed to regulate the flow of traffic entering the highway and reduce congestion. The ramp metering will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days once construction is complete.

  • The construction project is scheduled to begin on February 24, 2026.
  • The ramp metering system will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days once construction is complete.

The players

Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration

The state agency responsible for managing and maintaining Maryland's highway infrastructure, including the I-270 corridor.

Will Pines

The State Highway Administrator, who touted the project as an example of how technology and innovative solutions can reduce congestion and improve commute reliability for Maryland drivers.

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What they’re saying

“This project is just one example of how technology and innovative solutions can reduce congestion and make a safer, more reliable commute for tens of thousands of Marylanders every day.”

— Will Pines, State Highway Administrator (98online.com)

What’s next

The construction is scheduled to begin on February 24, 2026, and the ramp metering system is expected to be fully operational shortly after.

The takeaway

By implementing a ramp metering system on I-270, the Maryland Department of Transportation is taking a proactive approach to leveraging technology to improve traffic flow and reduce commute times for drivers in the region, which can have significant quality of life and economic benefits.