Lead Paint Flakes Falling from Baltimore Bridges

State agencies investigating and ordering cleanup of contaminated sidewalks, streets, and streams.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Flakes of lead paint are falling from several Baltimore bridges, contaminating sidewalks, streets, and streams and violating state pollution laws. Environmental groups have tested the paint chips and found they contain lead at levels 36 times higher than the standard limit. The Maryland Department of the Environment has directed the city to remove the hazardous paint chips and prevent further debris from falling.

Why it matters

The high levels of lead in the paint chips pose a serious environmental and public health risk, as the contamination can spread through stormwater runoff and be tracked into homes. This issue highlights the need for better bridge maintenance and lead abatement to protect Baltimore's communities.

The details

Testing by the environmental nonprofit Blue Water Baltimore confirmed the paint chips contain high levels of lead. The issue was first identified with the 28th Street Bridge, impacting the surrounding Falls Road and Jones Falls area. Similar lead paint flakes have been found under the Orleans Street Viaduct and on the I-95 overpass at Arbutus Avenue. The Maryland Department of the Environment has directed the city to remove the hazardous paint chips and prevent further debris from falling.

  • The issue with the 28th Street Bridge was first identified in early 2026.
  • Blue Water Baltimore conducted testing and confirmed the lead contamination in March 2026.
  • The Maryland Department of the Environment issued directives to the city in March 2026 to clean up the paint chips.

The players

Blue Water Baltimore

An environmental nonprofit organization that conducted testing and identified the lead paint contamination issue.

Barbara Johnson

Senior manager of water protection and community advocacy for Blue Water Baltimore.

Brandon Scott

Mayor of Baltimore City.

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)

The state agency that confirmed the high lead levels in the paint chips and directed the city to remove the hazardous material.

State Highway Administration (SHA)

The state agency that owns the I-95 overpass bridge in Arbutus and is responsible for bridge maintenance and repainting.

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What they’re saying

“I have to say this is the first time I've seen flaking paint off bridges that is high concentrated in lead.”

— Barbara Johnson, Senior manager of water protection and community advocacy (Blue Water Baltimore)

“Additionally, bridges surrounding that bridge will be proactively tested and continue to be tested for lead paint. And any other bridges that test positive will be added to the remediation program.”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor (wbal.com)

“Considering the levels, it is concerning to have that amount of lead in our ecosystem.”

— Barbara Johnson, Senior manager of water protection and community advocacy (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Maryland Department of the Environment is awaiting results from its inspection of the I-95 overpass at Arbutus Avenue. The city is working with a contractor to clean up the paint chip debris and will continue testing other bridges for lead contamination.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the need for better maintenance and lead abatement on Baltimore's aging bridge infrastructure to protect the environment and public health. It also underscores the importance of environmental monitoring and community advocacy in identifying and addressing such hazards.