Baltimore Metro Tests Overnight for System Reliability
Baltimore Metro Subway to run single track between Owings Mills and Reisterstown Plaza
MTA Metro Subway Single Tracks April 18-19
Baltimore's Metro Subway will operate on a single track between Owings Mills and Reisterstown Plaza stations during overnight hours April 18-19, transit officials said. The Maryland Transit Administration announced the temporary service modification will affect four stations on the Metro SubwayLink line, with trains running on one track between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. both nights. Riders should expect delays and plan for additional travel time during the single tracking period.
Testing Requires Track Configuration Changes
The single tracking operations are necessary to conduct scheduled train system testing during overnight hours when ridership is typically lower, according to the transit agency. MTA regularly performs maintenance and testing work on the Metro SubwayLink line, which runs between Owings Mills and Johns Hopkins Hospital, to ensure system reliability and safety. The agency selected the overnight window to minimize disruption to weekday commuters and daytime riders. Officials didn't specify what type of testing will be conducted or whether similar single tracking operations are planned for future weekends.
Four Stations Limited to Track 2 Access
Passengers boarding or exiting at Owings Mills, Old Court, Milford Mill, and Reisterstown Plaza stations will need to use Track 2 exclusively during the single tracking period, transit officials said. The track restriction applies only to these four stations between Owings Mills and Reisterstown Plaza, while other stations on the line will maintain normal operations. Officials advised riders to follow station signage and listen for announcements from train operators. The agency didn't provide estimates for how much additional travel time riders should expect, though delays are anticipated due to trains sharing a single track in both directions.
Weekend Overnight Service Modification
The single tracking operations will take effect at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, and continue until 6 a.m. Sunday, April 19, officials confirmed. The same schedule will repeat Sunday night, with single tracking beginning at 8 p.m. April 19 and ending at 6 a.m. Monday, April 20. Normal two-track operations will resume once testing concludes each morning.
Riders Advised to Plan Extra Time
Metro Subway riders using the affected stations during overnight hours should plan for additional travel time due to potential delays, the MTA said. The agency encouraged passengers to check for service updates before traveling during the single tracking period. Moovit provides real-time Metro Subway updates and alternative route planning for Baltimore transit riders navigating service changes.
