When To Cross MD Bridges, Tunnels On Thanksgiving Weekend 2025

ANNAPOLIS, MD — If you want to beat the congestion on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and in the Baltimore tunnels this Thanksgiving weekend, you'll have to get up with the morning birds or drive with the night owls. Every Maryland driver knows if you wait too long, you could get caught in miles-long traffic jams near the crossings.

The Maryland Transportation Authority warned drivers to travel off-hours if they don't want to chance the traffic heading to and from the Eastern Shore or up and down Interstates 95 this holiday weekend.

Best Times To Cross

The MDTA said the best times to cross the Bay Bridge over the holiday weekend are:

• Tuesday, Nov. 25 – Before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 27 – Before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 28 – Before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 29 – Before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 30 – Before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

These are the best times to drive on I-95 and take the Fort McHenry Tunnel across the Baltimore harbor:

• Tuesday, Nov. 25 – Before noon and after 10 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 27 – Before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 28 – Before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 29– Before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 30 – Before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

If heading from southern Maryland to northern Virginia, these are the suggested drive times for the Nice/Middleton Bridge on U.S. Route 301:

• Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 30 – Before noon and after 6 p.m.

AAA anticipates longer travel times throughout the Mid-Atlantic this holiday weekend.

Roadtrips from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway are expected to take an hour and 50 minutes at the peak time of Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. That's 166% longer than normal.

Sunday at 2:15 p.m., the drive down Interstate 95 from Philadelphia to Baltimore could take two hours and 38 minutes, up 85%.

Drivers Urged To Stay On Route 50

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.

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.

Drivers may save some time on their trips to the Eastern Shore by taking the northern route, which covers more mileage while avoiding the Bay Bridge. Travelers can head up Interstate 95 north to Delaware and drive down Delaware Route 1 south to get to the beaches.

The Baltimore tunnels, however, may have increased delays with the absence of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Traffic, Safety Tips

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

• RED X: This means the lane is closed. Motorists 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: Motorists 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 X profile.
• 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.
• 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:

• Maryland’s Move Over law applies to all stopped vehicles displaying caution signals or warning lights. Slow down if you cannot safely move over into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the stopped vehicle.
• 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.
• Avoid distractions when driving. It only takes a second to wreck it.
• Look twice for motorcycles. Riders must have a valid motorcycle license and stay updated on motorcycle safety.
• Secure your load in vehicles and trailers before traveling. Items that shift, slide, or fall onto the roadway can lead to serious vehicle crashes, especially on roads with no shoulders like bridges and tunnels.
• Get your vehicle ready for the road. If your vehicle breaks down and you cannot safely exit the roadway, remain buckled and face forward if it is safe to stay inside. Dial #77 for non-emergency assistance.
• Double (side-by-side) separation of lanes where solid-white travel is in the same direction indicates lane changing is prohibited. Changing lanes in tunnels and on bridges can be hazardous, especially with minimal or no shoulders.

Related:

• Bay Bridge Traffic Changes Begin Ahead Of Busy MD Beach Season
• Bay Bridge At Higher Risk Of Ship Strike, Safety Improvements Planned
• Bay Bridge Replacement: Could New Crossing Have 10 Lanes Split Between 2 Spans?