Construction has begun on the Charles Street overpass at 695 and 83 Interchange — Will this effect Towson House Values?

Have you been on North Charles Street in Towson recently and wondered what is going on? Or have you been driving around I-695, merging over to I-83 North, and been curious about where the trees have gone?

Well, the bridge over 695 is being rebuilt, like the ones at Dulaney Valley, York Road, and Reisterstown Road.

The Maryland State Highway Administration has a comprehensive plan laid out that began just last month, with an anticipated completion in Fall of 2011.

So, what does this mean for those of us who drive these roads every day? Who live right at that Interchange? Charles Street will have lane closures, usually one in each direction during this time period. Certain times during the construction 695 will have lane closures 8 pm- 5 am. The best location for this information is the Project Newsletter from the SHA, which I have a link to here. These will be updated over the next two and a half years, and I will be sure to keep you updated as the construction continues.

And now, to the Towson House Value question. Will this affect your home price?

• If you live right around where the work is being done, and you want to sell while the construction is happening? Then, well, yes.
• However, if you plan to sell after it is over? Then it will likely help improve your Towson home’s value. There will be a traffic signal instead of the roundabout on Charles.

There will be new sidewalks and bike lanes along Charles street, and along Bellona to Othoridge Road where Orchard Hills Park is located.

The mess that has been traffic along there will be cleared up (thank goodness!).

So, in the meantime, stay tuned. Be calm. Be patient. And know this will be for the best in the long run. Take alternate routes from 695 at York Road or at Timonium Road at 83. And if you need any real estate advice during this time? Well, simply, contact me!