Sound like a parrallel dimension out of a Twilight Zone episode?  Had the planners of the 1960's had their way, it would have been the honest truth, as a multitude of proposals surfaced to stretch concrete from end to end across the Baltimore Metropolitan Area.  These plans never came to fruition, largely the result of community protests, as many plans were ultimately dropped from the agenda.

However, if you're observant, you'll see signs of their near construction evident, from blank signs to footings, to truncated connecting ramps, there are quite a few exits to "Interstate 0" out there in the Baltimore Area.  Here's a synopsis:

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Originally, it was envisioned to construct an Expressway linking I-95 directly to I-70N running through much of the Gwynns Falls Valley and Leakin Park.  Conservationists managed to thwart the plan, leaving it dead.  However, the construction of I-95 in Southwest Baltimore in the late 1970's and early 1980's still provided for an eventual connection with this Expressway.  For many years, a dramatic ramp rose off Southbound I-95 only to suddenly stop nearly 100 feet above the ground.  This was removed in the mid 1990's, but signs still tell of the ramp in spots:

The grade to the far right was once paved for the on-ramp, and bridged De Soto road in the center of the frame.  However, the ramp remains in paved condition just on the other side of the bright jersey wall abutting De Soto Road.

An entire highway in minature is about what one sees when taking the Caton Avenue cut off North on I-95.  After passing Caton, look to your left to see this lengthy ramp leading underneath of I-95.  To see this if you're heading North on I-95, simply take the Caton Avenue "exit" but don't exit (it's a combo on/off cloverleaf lane that later re-merges with 95 again).  Beyond the curve, an on-ramp truncation can also be spotted on your left.

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In a fury to build highways, Planners actually envisioned a 3 way junction between interstates 83 and 95 right between Fells Point and Federal Hill that would have forever ruined the Baltimore skyline.  Through the diligent efforts of now Senator Barabara Mikulski, this was thankfully thwarted, resulting in the saving of the Federal Hill, Fells Point, and Canton communities.

However, when I-95's approach to the Fort McHenry Tunnel was constructed around 1985, additional ramp connectors were situated both North and South of the O'Donnell Street exit.  Was this a vision for a crossover between I-95 and the Harbor Tunnel Thruway that could be used for emergencies?  Or was there still a notion of trying to offer a cutoff interstate to Interstate 83 and Downtown?

As seen encircled, this mystery on ramp onto Northbound I-95 leaves little clues as to it's intended purpose.

A similar on-ramp abutment can be spotted on I-95 Southbound just above the Keith Avenue exit.

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True there actually is a Windlass Freeway, though it's only a portion of what had been originally planned for construction. As envisioned, the Windlass was to be a backup to John F. Kennedy I-95, running from Moravia Road at the South all the way to Perry Hall.  As it turns out, only the small portion needed to offer a complete loop of the I-695 Baltimore Beltway was constructed, and lately, there is no word of any expansion of the Windlass.  However, for travelers who use Moravia Road and Interstate 95 Southbound, evidence can be clearly seen to the one time desire to construct Windlass in its fuller form.

When travelling from Northbound I-95 onto Moravia Road, one can't help but to notice the additional blank sign on the right, as well as the inset jersey wall barrier that covers a stub ramp on the right.

FOR A MUCH MORE IN DEPTH LOOK AT OLD HIGHWAY PLANS,
BE SURE TO VISIT MIKE PRUETT'S MARYLAND ROADS SITE!!!

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