Interstate 795 in Maryland looking south towards Interstate 695

01/16/10

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While yet on another trip to Baltimore in the late part of 2006 (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.  At Interstate 795's northern end is MD 30 and MD 140 where motorists can continue on to Westminster and Hanover.

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 north, on Interstate 695 north

Notice the dedicated exit only lane.

Final opportunity for Interstate 795 from northbound Interstate 695

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.

Exit 4, Owings Mills Blvd.

Interstate 795's first northbound exit is coming up in one mile.

Final opportunity for Owings Mills Blvd.

Notice the two dedicated right lanes as exit lanes.

Exits 7A and 7B, Franklin Blvd.

Interstate 795's second exit is coming up in one mile.

First indication that Interstate 795 is ending soon

Remain in the left lane for MD 30 north which provides access to eastbound MD 140 as well as Hanover or remain in the right lane for westbound MD 140 to Westminster.

The end of Interstate 795 is coming up in one mile

Westminster is 13 miles ahead and Hanover is 25 miles away.

Be prepared! You are transitioning from interstate highway to regular streets!

This is well done end of interstate signage by the Maryland DOT. If the Florida DOT can do the same signage on the ends of Interstates 375 and 175 in downtown St. Petersburg it would emphasize the upcoming end of the highway as well as make it safer for motorists.

More advance signage for MD 30 and MD 140

It's as simple as getting into the proper lane for where you want to go.

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.

Speed limit drops to 50 mph on MD 140 west

Also be aware of two traffic signals with no left turns allowed.

At the Franklin Blvd. interchange with Interstate 795

This is Interstate 795 looking south.

Lane ends signage posted at the point where the lane actually ends

This is looking eastbound on Franklin Blvd. as we prepare to go under Interstate 795 and this lane ends signage is standard throughout Maryland.

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