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Baltimore drivers frustrated over city gridlock

DOT officials: congestion back to normal in weeks
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City Councilman Eric Costello said he's just as frustrated with the gridlock as his constituents.

He said dozens of frustrated people have reached out to him saying their commutes are worse than normal.

Backed up  intersections are causing traffic jams according to Costello who said if the Department of Transportation doesn't fix the problem successfully, the city will likely need to reassess its congestion plan.

Backups during rush hour are to be expected but Costello said the DOT promised to perfect its new timing pattern.

Officials said in a statement to the councilman that the pattern has reduced congestion in certain areas but increased it in others.

They said technicians are making adjustments to certain intersections to ensure traffic flow normalizes.

City leaders say the gridlock has a negative ripple effect in the city.

"It's creating air pollution, it's creating noise pollution, it's creating unsafe situations for pedestrians, for cyclists for motorists for everyone," Costello said.

DOT officials said the congestion should return to normal in a couple weeks and thanked residents for their patience.