Bay Bridge Congestion Relief: Temporary Traffic Light Coming To Ramp Onto Route 50

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A temporary traffic light is coming to a ramp onto U.S. Route 50 near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Crews will place the signal on the ramp from Oceanic Drive onto eastbound U.S. Route 50/301. The light will manage traffic flow on the ramp, which is the last highway entrance before the Bay Bridge. Officials will monitor how this affects congestion at one of the state's biggest bottlenecks.

The signal will be active from Thursday through Sunday. Here are the hours that the light will be on:

• Thursday: Noon to 8 p.m.
• Friday: Noon to 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Drivers should expect delays on service roads near the Bay Bridge. More information and a map of the affected area are posted here.

This is part of an ongoing traffic analysis from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. MDOT SHA is also evaluating data from these Anne Arundel County service roads near the Bay Bridge:

• Buschs Frontage Road
• East College Parkway
• Whitehall Road
• Skidmore Drive

Those roads do not currently have plans for additional traffic signals, however.

"This pilot is part of our partnering effort with the local Anne Arundel County community to explore traffic relief options near the Bay Bridge," the State Highway Administration said in a press release. "MDOT SHA remains committed to finding innovative solutions to connect our customers to life’s opportunities."

This project comes as Maryland considers the possibility of adding a third Bay Bridge span. The state in June advanced a study that will bring that construction one step closer to reality.

Workers are still several years away from breaking ground, even if the additional span gets full approval. To read Patch's explanation of the proposal, click here.

Related: New Bay Bridge Span Inches Closer To Reality, MD Launches Next Step

Highway officials reminded drivers to stay on U.S. Route 50 to leave local roads open for emergency responders and residents.

Marylanders can check real-time traffic conditions at md511.maryland.gov. The Maryland Transportation Authority posts real-time Bay Bridge updates on its Twitter account. Travelers can also call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) to hear the current conditions.