Closure Of Bay Bridge, Key Bridge Delayed As Oversized Shipment Changes Plans

This story was last updated Thursday at 9:42 a.m.

MARYLAND — Officials announced new times for the planned temporary closures of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

An oversized shipment was scheduled to sail under the bridges on Thursday, but the passage was pushed to this weekend.

The bridges will now close in both directions for 15 to 30 minutes each on Saturday.

The Key Bridge will close on Baltimore's Interstate 695 around 9:30 a.m.

The Bay Bridge will close on Annapolis' U.S. Route 50/301 around 1:30 p.m.

Multiple marine vessels are carrying three large blue cranes heading out through the Chesapeake Bay.

"The shipper has rescheduled the date," the Maryland Transportation Authority said on Facebook. "This change is not under the authority of MDTA. We are advised of when the passage is happening and for [motorists'] safety[,] traffic is [temporarily] held to avoid distracted driving."

The transport is weather dependent. The arrival times and closure durations could change.

A photo of a previous crane passage is posted here.

Drivers can get real-time traffic updates by:

• Following the Maryland Transportation Authority on Twitter
• Viewing the live traffic cameras at mdta.maryland.gov
• Calling 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726)
• Visiting baybridge.com
• Signing up for email and text alerts here

Related:

• Bay Bridge Drivers Get Earlier Warning Of Lane Closures Via New Signs
• Bay Bridge Deck Replacement To Bring Closures Starting In Fall 2023
• Bay Bridge Traffic Relief: Temporary Traffic Light Tested At Entrance Ramp
• New Bay Bridge Span Inches Closer To Reality, MD Launches Next Step
• New Bay Bridge Crossing: MD Officially Proposes Location For 3rd Span