Interstate 170 (Maryland)

Interstate 170 marker
Interstate 170
Map
Proposed I-170 corridor highlighted in red
Route information
Auxiliary route of I-70
Maintained by BDPW[1]
Length2.3 mi (3.7 km)
extrapolated from cancelation info[2]
Existed1969–1983
NHSEntire route
Major junctions
West end I-70 at Gwynns Falls Park
Major intersections US 1
East end US 40 at MLK Blvd.
Location
CountryUnited States
StateMaryland
CountiesCity of Baltimore
Highway system
MD 169 MD 170

Interstate 170 (I-170) was the designation for a 2.3-mile (3.7 km) freeway in Baltimore, Maryland, that currently carries U.S. Route 40 (US 40). The freeway was originally planned to be the eastern terminus of I-70 and, later, a link between I-70 and the west side of Downtown Baltimore. However, after the Baltimore portion of I-70 was canceled due to community opposition, the freeway was left disconnected from the Interstate system and its Interstate designation rescinded. Local citizens and environmental groups have given the freeway nicknames of "The Highway to Nowhere" and "The Ditch", the latter owing to its mostly below-grade construction; other names include the "Westside Freeway" and the "Franklin–Mulberry Expressway", both referring to its location in the city.[citation needed] Growing support for the freeway's removal has occurred over the last several years.

The western end of the freeway stub in Baltimore intended for use by the canceled I-170 in 2010. This freeway is now used by US 40.
  1. ^ Staff (December 31, 2005). "Highway Location Reference: Baltimore City" (PDF). Maryland State Highway Administration.
  2. ^ Kozel, Scott M. "Baltimore City Interstates: Cancellations". Roads to the Future. Self-published. Retrieved June 25, 2007.[unreliable source?]