Baltimore area tunnels reminder

[Max Hubrich]

As the peak summer travel time approaches I thought this is the appropriate time to remind all our Rv'ing friends about the Baltimore, MD area tunnel restrictions for vehicles carrying propane.

I've heard all the reasons why the restrictions don't apply to us RV'ers ---IE:

I'm not a commericial carrier,
I turn my propane tank (s) off,
My pilot lights are all out,
My tank (s) is/are empty,
I do it all the time,
etc, etc.

You can call these folks and get their side of the story for the restrictions on the Balitmore and Fort McHenry tunnels and then make your own decision.

Tunnel law enforcement

410-537-1374

They will even offer alternate routing for those interested in not being subject to large fines.


Good luck in your summer travels,

[read & learn]

Hi Max
I agree with you and thank you for the reminder, we will be in that area late September.
Now the for the bigger picture. More and more vehicles are switching to propane as a fuel.
The fuel tanks on those vehicles are DOT approved. Does that make it OK?
Many tunnels around the USA have no restrictions on propane or allow it. As we have been traveling around the country I have got to the point that I don't even realize that there were no big signs saying NO PROPANE.
Maybe some members of the iRV2 family can list what tunnels ban propane and where it is OK.
I'll start with were I just left.
Cody, WY 3 tunnels at the Buffalo Bill Dam going to or from East entrance Yellowstone NP.

[RVThere]

Lower level of the George Washington Bridge is a NO-NO for propane. After the toll, they will make you pull to the side, go through a gate and a parking lot, and loop around city streets to get to the upper level. I speak from experience on this one.

[Luv2go]

The two tunnels on I-77 in Virginia are OK for propane (several of us will be going through them on the way to the National Rally this year).

[Max Hubrich]

RVThere-- Tom,

I concur on the GWB. What a mess.

I went over it 4 years ago in my 'ole Holiday Rambler with a tag axle, pulling a Saturn toad. It cost nearly $50 !!! I told the toll taker lady-- SOLD!! She didn't think it was funny
I do know this-- I'll never use it again in an RV!!

Read & Learn-- The folks at the Baltimore tunnel law enforcement agency seemed to be concerned about a propane tank exploding and having the Chesapeake bay empty into the tunnel.
I go through the tunnel at Mobile AL and there are no restriction signs there, and they must also be concerned that Mobile Bay could cause similiar problems if a propane tank explodes.
I think the signs on I-95 that warn of the tunnel restriction in the baltimore area only say-- No Hazaradous Materials-

I guess states laws vary---

[RVDude]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Hubrich I think the signs on I-95 that warn of the tunnel restriction in the baltimore area only say-- No Hazaradous Materials

I am pretty sure (at least a year ago) I saw the "no propane tank" symbol signage on the I95 approach to the Balto Tunnel. I just do the I-695 loop around thing, adds a couple miles but is a breeze.

Hampton Roads just has an inspection (are your valves off) type thing.

[Route 66]

From MTA's web site;

Quote:

Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) govern the transport of hazardous materials across our toll facilities. Under these regulations, vehicles carrying bottled propane gas in excess of 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895). The Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695, the Baltimore Beltway) is a convenient alternative route for crossing Baltimore's Harbor.

[NeilV]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66 From MTA's web site;

I went through there Columbus Day weekend and watch out at the toll booth. The only large vehicle lane that was open was the SpeedPass. There is no place to stop, no admin office on the side and no way to pay cash once you get in that lane and you don't have SpeedPass.

I took over six months to get cleared up with out the penalty ($1,500?)being assigned.

[Bill1374]

Postings for the Baltimore tunnel show hazmat materials prohibited which can be confusing. Signage could be better.
It's really simple to take the 695 loop west and avoid all the problems.

Bill

[Max Hubrich]

Neil V --- Ouch-- -- Who needs that hassle in our lives??

Dirk--- Thanks for quoting the regulation controlling the tunnel usage.

I'll use I-695 West around Baltimore from now on. The Key bridge has a toll that can be avoided also. I use E-Z Pass for my travels on the toll roads -- What a blessing that program is -- .

I'll also use I-495 West around The Wash DC area. I-495 to the East is a pain South East of DC, lots of construction and very poor signage.