12/26/07

While yet on another trip to Baltimore not too long ago (basically to use a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards ticket before it expires), I took a ride on Interstate 795.  Basically Interstate 795 runs in a northwest direction from its junction with Interstate 695 a few miles north of Interstate 70 to the town of Reisterstown which is located just outside the Baltimore beltway.  I took a side trip through Reisterstown and the historic part of the town is picturesque and makes for a good side day trip if you are in the greater Baltimore/Washington area.

Interstate 795 runs for a length of about eight miles, which would relatively compare to Interstate 275 from 4 St N (Exit 32) in St. Petersburg crossing the Howard Frankland Bridge to Lois Avenue (Exit 40B) in Tampa.  The first few miles of Interstate 795 after it begins at Interstate 695 consists of the Baltimore Metro Subway running down the center median and terminating at the Owings Mills Station, which there is a park and ride lot for the commuters that live on the outskirts of this area of greater Baltimore.

On a side note, I would not mind seeing a subway or commuter rail running down the median of Interstate 275 in the Tampa Bay area.  In fact, when the improvements for Interstate 275 from FL 60 (Exit 39) to downtown Tampa are constructed it will feature space in the median to accommodate a future light rail or commuter rail line.  Anything rail related is desperately needed for the rapid growth the Tampa Bay area is now experiencing rather than more buses or expanding existing roads further.  When I drove on Interstate 795 I had envisioned that someday a subway, light rail or commuter rail line would run down the center median of Interstate 275.

Scott Kozel has a well written history of Interstate 795 in Baltimore of which you can access simply by clicking on this link.

Pictures of Interstate 795 in Maryland

All pictures were taken on Interstate 795 northbound unless otherwise noted.

Advance signage for Exit 19, Interstate 795 on Interstate 695 northbound.  Notice the dedicated exit only lane that is used.

Final opportunity to exit onto Interstate 795 from Interstate 695 northbound.  Notice the 50 mph ramp speed advisory and the sign on the overhead gantry stating that trucks over 5 tons are not allowed in the left lane on Interstate 795.  If you are wondering why you see the "Notice" banner on the top, it is apparently a sign standard used statewide in Maryland to convey important information to motorists.

First exit of Interstate 795, which is Exit 4, Owings Mills Blvd., coming up in one mile.

Final opportunity to exit Interstate 795 at Owings Mills Blvd.  Notice the two dedicated right lanes as exit lanes.

The next exit on Interstate 795 is Exits 7A and 7B, Franklin Blvd., coming up in one mile.

We are getting our first indication of the end of Interstate 795 just around the corner.  Remain in the left lane for MD 30 north which provides access to eastbound MD 140 as well as Hanover or you may remain in the right lane for westbound MD 140 to Westminster.

The end of Interstate 795 is coming up in one mile, while Westminster is 13 miles ahead and Hanover is 25 miles away.

Be prepared!  You will be transitioning from interstate highway to an at grade highway with cross roads!  I think this is a well done end of interstate signage by Maryland DOT and if Florida DOT can install these signs on Interstates 375 and 175 in St. Petersburg just before their terminuses at 5 St N and 4 St S respectively (instead of the little "End" signage) it would emphasize the upcoming end of the highway.

More advance signage for MD 30 and MD 140 just ahead.

Final opportunity to use MD 30 north to MD 140 east or MD 140 west.  Notice the 45 mph speed advisory for traffic headed on MD 140 west.  To get to Reisterstown use MD 30 north to MD 140 east and then head eastbound on MD 140 at the first traffic signal.

Be prepared for the end of Interstate 795!  This is taken on the ramp to MD 140 west.

Now that we are on MD 140 west, the speed limit drops to 50 mph (notice the yellow advisory signage on either side of the roadway) and that there are two traffic signals ahead with no left turns allowed.

At the Franklin Blvd. interchange looking at Interstate 795 south.

 Lane ends signage posted at the point where the lane actually ends.  This was taken on Franklin Blvd. as we go under Interstate 795 and this signage is standard throughout Maryland.

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