Cross Bay Bridge Early Or Late To Beat Memorial Day Traffic

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Marylanders should anticipate plenty of Bay Bridge traffic around the end of Memorial Day weekend. The Maryland Transportation Authority urged drivers to cross the bridge off hours to ease some of the congestion.

Best Times To Cross

These are the best times to cross the Bay Bridge:

• Sunday, May 28 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Memorial Day Monday, May 29 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Officials anticipate westbound congestion Sunday and Monday.

The MDTA estimated that more than 325,000 vehicles would cross the Bay Bridge between Friday and Monday.

If weather and traffic permit, the MDTA will open two-way operations to ease some of the traffic heading east. Wind, fog and rain could disrupt this plan, however.

Officials ask drivers to stay on U.S. Route 50 even if it is congested. This will keep local roads clear for first responders and residents.

Drivers may save some time on their trips to the Eastern Shore by taking the northern route. Travelers can head up Interstate 95 north to Delaware and drive down Route 1 south to get to the beaches.

Traffic, Safety Tips

Drivers must pay attention to these overhead signals before, on and after the bridge:

• RED X: Lane is closed. You MUST NOT enter or travel in any lane over which a RED X signal is shown.
• YELLOW X: Prepare to vacate the lane beneath the YELLOW X signal and move to a lane with a DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW.
• DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW: You can drive in the lane beneath the GREEN ARROW signal.

Here's how to check the traffic:

• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions. Any pressing travel updates will be posted on the MDTA's Twitter.
• Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.
• Follow the MDTA on social media at TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA.
• Ease your travel with E-ZPass. Visit driveezmd.com to enroll online and for a list of E-ZPass "On the Go" retail locations.
• Know Before You Go - To view traffic cameras on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information. When you call 511, just say "Reach the Beach." The free phone call can eliminate some of the hassles of your road trip.
• To sign up for email/text alerts or view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov.

Along with delays, authorities will be on the lookout for risky behavior on the roads. Travelers can report aggressive drivers to the MDTA Police at 410-537-7911.

The MDTA also offered these safety tips:

• Allow for extra time to get to your destination.
• Adhere to speed limits. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of a crash.
• Don’t drive distracted. Any activity that takes your focus away from the road ahead is a distraction.
• NEVER drive impaired by drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving endangers your life and the lives of others.
• Look twice for motorcycles, and remember that in Maryland, individuals may not operate or ride on a motorcycle unless they wear a helmet that is certified to meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards.
• Move over when approaching an emergency, transportation, service and utility vehicle or tow truck with red, yellow, or amber flashing lights. It’s the law. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• Commercial vehicles must travel across the Bay Bridge in the right lane.
• Secure your load in vehicles and trailers before traveling. Items that can shift, slide or fall onto the roadway can lead to serious vehicle crashes, especially on roads with no shoulders like bridges.
• Make sure your vehicle is road ready. If your vehicle breaks down, exit the roadway. If that isn’t possible, remain inside your vehicle and call #77 for assistance.

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 Coming To Ramp
• New Bay Bridge Span Inches Closer To Reality, MD Launches Next Step
• New Bay Bridge Crossing: MD Officially Proposes Location For 3rd Span