BALTIMORE, Md. — "There’s so much traffic," said Raquel Short.
More traffic than usual this week in Baltimore as crews work to repair underground damage from a water main break. On Monday, there was a fire and partial collapse by the Convention Center on Howard Street. The next day, the handicap ramp for the light rail sunk into the ground.
READ MORE: Collapse temporarily filled prior to rain, longer term solution next
Now, Howard and Pratt Streets are closed impacting the whole area.
"It effects everyone's daily commute," Short said.
Short and her friend, Shirley Green, said their morning commute went from 15 minutes to 30-45 minutes.
"It’s right in the middle of the harbor where the most traffic is and they have this whole road closed off," said Green.
The roads are one issue, the light rail is another.
"I just have to walk further than I intended," said Keith Brenner, who works in the city and usually takes the light rail.
Right now, the light rail is closed from Camden Street to North Avenue.
"It doesn't let me get to work on time even with the bus bridge," Brenner said.
The bus bridge is a shuttle to make up for the lost tracks.
READ MORE: CSX working on test runs at Howard Street Tunnel, shut down due to water-main break
"The first day of bus bridge they said your bus isn’t here yet you’re going to have to wait for it to come and I’m like no, I can’t do that," Brenner said. "I work in a hospital and I have no leeway."
So Brenner, like many others, have a longer commute.
"I’m just gonna deal with it like everybody else is dealing with it," Brenner said.
According to Councilman Eric T. Costello, DPW has completed the installation of the storm water pipe bypass system that was set up overnight at South Howard Street and West Pratt Street. MTA routes & road closures will remain in effect until storm water pipes can be reconnected by DPW.
The following intersections / streets are still closed to traffic:
W Pratt St & S Howard St
S Howard Street & Camden St
I-395 & S Howard St (SB)
W Pratt St & S Paca St
