Maryland to open new I-95 Express Toll Lanes ahead of holiday travel

The Maryland Transportation Authority announced that it will open a new stretch of Express Toll Lanes on northbound I-95 tomorrow, Wednesday, December 18, 2024. A variable toll charged to drivers who use the lanes will provide a way around traffic congestion, which is expected to be heavy around next week's Christmas and Chanukah holidays. The new Express Toll Lanes run for 6.5 miles along the northbound side of the interstate between White Marsh Boulevard (MD 43) and Mountain Road (MD 152).

Completed Express Toll Lanes all the way to MD 24 (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway), along with new ramps connecting I-695 to the northbound ETL, are expected to open to traffic by the end of 2027. The first section of ETL opened in 2014. MDTA recommends obtaining an E-ZPass, to save up to 77% over toll charges you might otherwise receive via Pay-by-Plate or video tolling.

“The northbound I-95 Express Toll Lanes extension project provides travelers with a more reliable travel experience while easing congestion on our highways,” MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner said in a statement. “Through innovation and safety, this project represents our commitment to modernize Maryland’s infrastructure and enhance mobility options.”

Lego menorah lighting at Bethesda Row on November 28

Start the celebration of Chanukah in a memorable way this Sunday, November 28, 2021 (or the year 5872, to be completely accurate) at Bethesda Row. Join the Chabad of Bethesda at 5:00 PM on Bethesda Lane across from the Apple Store for the construction and kindling of a giant Lego menorah. 

Attendees at this event for all ages will be able to build their own Lego dreidel, and take selfies with Judah Macabee. Enjoy Chanukah music, a magic and juggling performance, and tasty latkes, donuts, and chocolate gelt.

The event is free, and no RSVP is required. If you have questions or need more information, call Chabad of Bethesda at 301-913-9777.

Bethesda Row holiday decorations update (Photos)

Those elves work fast. Much more holiday decor was installed around Bethesda Row yesterday, and some lights were already lit last night. The main Christmas tree has relocated to a new spot this year, closer to Bethesda Avenue. A menorah has also been erected outside Anthropologie, alongside another tree, and a third tree - as usual - can be found over at Spanish Diner.

Dr. Bear making house calls at Bethesda Row this holiday season (Photos)

The doctor is in at Bethesda Row. Dr. Bear has appeared outside the Amazon Books store for the holiday season. When you make a donation to Children's Hospital, Dr. Bear lights up, filling passersby with holiday cheer. Text LIGHT25 to 50555 (see photo below to double-check) to donate $10 to Children's Hospital, and light up Dr. Bear.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - and Chanukah - at Bethesda Row (Photos)

The Christmas decorations at Bethesda Row have been lagging slightly behind those at Pike & Rose this year. They also are either going up in stages, unlike the mass unboxing of years past, or will be less complicated this year. Other changes include the menorah's move from the "Barnes & Noble corner" now occupied by Anthropologie & Co. to the Amazon Books corner. Perhaps landlord Federal Realty is acknowledging the "power corner" at the development has moved down to Amazon's spot.

Last Christmas at Barnes & Noble in Bethesda (Photos)

This is the last time you'll see the holiday decorations outside of Barnes & Noble. By this time next year, the bookstore will have been replaced by Anthropologie. Still unknown is what changes to the configuration of the plaza outside Barnes & Noble that will entail. Anthropologie will have outdoor dining at its Terrain Cafe, which Barnes & Noble has never needed space to accommodate.

Pike & Rose lights up for the holidays, as Porsche Bethesda prepares to open (Photos)

This is the first holiday season at Pike & Rose since the development's Phase II section opened earlier this year, so the lights and decorations are spread out over several blocks, rather than the one dead-end street of previous years. The Christmas tree is close to where it has been previously, just no longer in the roadway stub of Grand Park Avenue. A menorah is in the new Rose Park, near the just-opened L.L. Bean store. Porsche Bethesda is about to become the newest business at the Federal Realty development, having set an opening date of December 4. Will you have a 911 Turbo S under the tree this year?

Ice sculptures in Veterans Park in Bethesda (Photos)

A set of ice sculptures from Bethesda Urban Partnership's annual Winter Wonderland celebration remained on display in Veterans Park last evening. The park is located at the intersection of Woodmont and Norfolk Avenues. A reindeer, Santa Claus, and a Star of David were among the works.

Holiday decorations at Pike & Rose (Photos)

Here are some holiday scenes from Pike & Rose in North Bethesda.

Bethesda Row holiday decorations (Photos)

Here are some holiday scenes from around Bethesda Row, including two Christmas trees and the menorah.

Christmas (and Chanukah) decorations at Bethesda Row (Photos)

The decorations are in place for the holidays around Bethesda Row. In addition to the main Christmas tree on Bethesda Lane, there's a smaller one in front of Barnes and Noble alongside a menorah.

American Tap Room