The new year is bringing some major traffic changes to Interstate 95 and White Marsh Boulevard, thanks to the ongoing I-95 Express Toll Lanes project. 

Between 10 p.m. on Jan. 4 and 6 a.m. on Jan. 6, the ramp from northbound I-95 to westbound MD Route 43 (Exit 67B, White Marsh Boulevard) will close. Traffic will be detoured to eastbound MD Route 43 to (Exit 67A, White Marsh Boulevard) to eastbound Maryland Route 7 (Philadelphia Road) to westbound MD Route 43, according to announcement by the Maryland Transportation Authority. 

The new traffic pattern—which includes the addition of a left turn lane on westbound Maryland Route 43 and new left exits toward I-95—is expected to take effect on Jan. 4, the release stated.

Previously, all traffic from MD Route 43, also called White Marsh Boulevard, to I-95 exited on the right. The new pattern includes the following, according to the MdTA:

• Eastbound MD 43 to I-95 North, left exit
• Eastbound MD 43 to I-95 South, right exit
• Westbound MD 43 to I-95 North, right exit
• Westbound MD 43 to I-95 South, left exit

Officials are urging caution and asking drivers to pay close attention to roadside signs. See the PDF released by the MdTA in the gallery for a diagram and safety tips. 

The White Marsh portion of the project carries a $142.6 million price tag and is expected to create 400 new jobs. The total project, which stretches from north of White Marsh along I-95 to south of the Interstate 895/Moravia Road interchange, will cost $1.03 billion and is expected to be finished by 2014, according to the MdTA.

The ultimate goal of the project is to provide additional highway lanes, where drivers can avoid some I-95 traffic back-ups. When complete, drivers may travel on existing lanes of I-95 at no additional cost, or may use express lanes by paying a toll.

How have traffic changes impacted your commute? Is the project a positive or negative development? Tell us in the comments.