Arbutus, MD (April 18, 2026) – A multi-vehicle crash caused major delays Friday morning on the inner loop of Interstate 695 near Interstate 95 in the Arbutus area.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. on April 17, leading to the temporary closure of all through lanes. Traffic was forced to pass the scene using the right shoulder while emergency units worked to manage the situation.
Drivers experienced heavy congestion during the morning commute as a result of the crash. Information about injuries or the number of vehicles involved has not been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident.
Why Beltway Crashes Can Cause Major Delays
Crashes on major highways like beltways often lead to widespread traffic backups, especially during peak travel hours. When multiple vehicles are involved, lanes may need to be closed to allow space for emergency response and vehicle removal.
Even a short closure can create long delays due to the high volume of traffic. When lanes are blocked, drivers may be redirected or forced to merge into a limited space, which slows movement and increases congestion. Secondary slowdowns can also occur as drivers approach the scene.
Factors such as speed, traffic density, and limited shoulder space can make highway crashes more disruptive. Clearing the roadway safely takes time, which can extend delays even after the initial incident is resolved.
