I-97

About I-97

From Annapolis, MD (US 50/301) to Baltimore, MD (I-695)

Interstate 97 is a short north-south route running about 18 miles entirely within Anne Arundel County, Maryland, between the Annapolis area and the Baltimore area. Its southern end is at US 50 and US 301 near Parole, just west of Annapolis, and its northern end is at Interstate 695, the Baltimore Beltway, in Brooklyn Park. The route passes through the suburban communities of Crownsville, Millersville, Severna Park, and Glen Burnie along the way.

Despite its short length it is a busy and important connector, serving as the primary highway between Annapolis and Baltimore. It carries commuter traffic between the two cities and links the state capital region with the larger metropolitan freeway network around Baltimore.

The corridor runs through developed suburban country for its entire length, with no rural gaps. It is notable as the shortest of the two-digit mainline Interstates and as the only one that lies entirely within a single county.

State-by-state mileage

State	Miles
Maryland	17.6
Total	17.6

History

Interstate 97 received its designation in 1987, making it one of the later two-digit Interstates to be added to the system. It was built to upgrade the corridor between Annapolis and Baltimore to Interstate standards.

The highway was dedicated to Maryland state senator John A. Cade in recognition of his work securing funding for its construction.

Major cities and places

Did you know

• It is traditionally cited as the shortest two-digit mainline Interstate, though newer routes still under construction are shorter for now.
• It lies entirely within Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
• The southern terminus is at US 50 and US 301 near Annapolis and the northern terminus is at I-695 near Baltimore.
• It serves as the primary highway connecting Annapolis and Baltimore.