Emergency Utility Closure: As of approximately 7:00 AM, Baltimore County emergency crews and Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) responded to the intersection of Reisterstown Road (MD 140) and Hooks Lane for a report of a utility emergency.

BGE officials later confirmed the cause to be a significant natural gas leak requiring immediate repair.

Traffic Impact: Northbound Reisterstown Road is heavily restricted and effectively closed at the Hooks Lane intersection. This closure is creating a severe bottleneck for commuters traveling from the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) toward Owings Mills. Morning traffic is reported to be diverted or stalled for miles, with delays exceeding 45 minutes on affected surface streets.

Official Guidance and Detours: Transportation officials are urging motorists to avoid the Pikesville area if possible and seek alternate routes. The Northbound Reisterstown Road closure is expected to remain in place until BGE crews can safely repair the leak and restore the roadway.

For those already en route, the following detours are recommended to bypass the affected intersection:

• West Detour: Take Greene Tree Road to Mount Wilson Lane, which can bring you back to Reisterstown Road further north near the Woodholme Center.
• East Detour: Utilize Park Heights Avenue to travel north, then cross over via Old Court Road to return to the Reisterstown/Pikesville area.
• I-695 Bypass: If traveling from the Beltway, motorists should stay on I-695 and use the Northwest Expressway (I-795) to reach Owings Mills directly, bypassing Pikesville surface streets entirely.

Emergency responders remain on the scene.