Streets of Baltimore - Baltimore Ghosts

Photos by Adam Paul
Interstate 00

If the term "Interstate 0" could apply to the numerous spurs and connections off the Baltimore region's highways, what other term but "Interstate Double-Zero" would be fitting for a complete highway that barely allows one to reach the speed limit before braking as they encounter the end of the road.

Baltimore is home to just such an artery. At most times, the trip along the heavily built Interstate 00 can be made in less than 2 minutes, being that the road is officially only 1.39 miles in length. The road, mostly set in a depression parrallelling Franklin and Mulberry Streets runs from just West of Greene Street on the East to Pulaski Street on the West, with only one restricted access interchange between. It was completed in 1979.

Initially the roadway was intended to be the Easternmost segment of the cross-country running Interstate 70. However, heavy oppostion to the road's course through Leakin Park killed the ultimate plans, though not before thousands of residents along Franklin and Mulberry Streets were forced from their homes for the demoltion for this costly project.

Initially, the road was designated as Interstate 170. Later, the road would lose it's "Interstate" status, and U.S. Route 40 would be deviated to follow its short course (one edition of an ADC map labeled it as "PIERCE STREET" after the aligning alley in Downtown). Still, it's obvious to the casual observer that the road was built to Highway standards. The road typically only gets mildly congested in peak hours, and is occasionally cordoned off, as it makes the ultimate movie set for a film requiring a highway scene. Still, one has to wonder the logic of why many so many people were displaced to offer a few thousand motorists about a 2 to 3 minute saving in their commute time.

Nonetheless, Interstate 00, as I like to refer to it, makes for a great ghost tale!

Facts on "Interstate 00" supplied by Mike Pruett's site: MDROADS.COM

FOR AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT THE HIGHWAYS OF MARYLAND,
BE SURE TO SEE MIKE PRUETT'S MARYLAND ROADS!!!


Looking Westward off the Monroe Street Bridge, one can observe the truncated ending of Interstate 00. Note the on ramp at the far right looking in vain to go somewhere.	From Pulaski Street looking East towards the camera at left, Interstate 00 shows the mural that was improvised onto its butt ending. Note the entry ramp on the right, as well as the Interstate style overhead signs that was intended to direct those exiting off at the Monroe Street exit.
A look at the never finished, never needed off ramp, intended to lead from Eastbound Interstate 70 onto Mulberry before Monroe Street.	The only choice given to travelers along Interstate 00 comes to those heading East. At this point, one can exit to enter Mulberry Street before Martin Luther King Boulevard, or stay on the highway and bridge MLK to exit onto Mulberry Street two blocks further East.

GOT A TALE ABOUT "DOUBLE ZERO?" CONTACT ME!!!

MARYLAND ROADS.COM