Baltimore’s Highway to Nowhere is taken down and brings hope to West Baltimore

The Highway to Nowhere, was the start of a highway that would run through West Baltimore and connect U.S Route 40 to I-70. Construction started in 1975 and continued until 1979. The construction was brought to close after the people of West Baltimore protested against it. The people were against finishing the highway after seeing how many families and businesses were displaced. Now right in the middle of West Baltimore runs 1.5 miles of concrete that leads to nowhere. The slab of concrete has divided the community for the past 30 years and finally something is being done. The highway is closed and in its’ place a light rail will be put in. The area is receiving much attention in hope that the light rail will bring about a revitalization of the entire community. There is talk that the addition of the light rail will increase home values, bring in new home owners and attract commercial real estate.

To find out more about this topic take a look at the stories and multimedia below:

Revitalizing West Baltimore

I attended a quarterly MARC meeting in West Baltimore, where MARC representatives discussed the putting in of the light rail and the beautification of the community. This story discusses the progress the area could see after the highway is taken down and the light rail is put in.

Towson Professor speaks about his experience of living in West Baltimore

Towson professor, John Bullock discusses living in West Baltimore and what he hopes the addition of the light rail will do to the area. He discusses the quality of living in the community now and how it could be improved.

Arthur Cohen shares his knowledge on West Baltimore

Arthur Cohen, a community activist for West Baltimore shared his knowledge with me on a driving tour of the area. He has been involved in improving West Baltimore since the first talk of putting up the Highway to Nowhere. He is now thoroughly involved in seeing the revitalization of the area go forward on all fronts.

Google map of Corner shops and vacant homes in West Baltimore

This map shows the vast amount of vacant homes in West Baltimore along with the large amount of corner shops in the community. The purpose of this map is to show how in dire need the area is of home owners and renters and to show the little food that is available to those who do live in the community.

Interview with John Bullock

John Bullock, a Towson University professor discusses how he would like to see West Baltimore improved and what some of the struggles are in the area now.

Interview with Arthur Cohen

Arthur Cohen, is a community activist who has been involved with West Baltimore since the 1960’s. He is very knowledgeable on the area and knew first hand what Baltimore was like 40 years ago.
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