The Maryland Department of Transportation is warning drivers to expect significant delays around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and along the US 50 corridor during the upcoming Memorial Day travel period.
According to MDOT, more than 335,000 vehicles are expected to cross the Bay Bridge between Friday, May 22, and Memorial Day Monday, May 25, as travelers head toward Maryland’s beaches and Eastern Shore destinations.
Officials are urging motorists to remain on US 50 on both sides of the bridge in order to keep local roads open for emergency responders and residents.
MDOT said drivers should expect delays in both directions throughout the holiday weekend, particularly during peak travel periods. Officials noted that eastbound and westbound backups can occur simultaneously depending on traffic conditions.
To help ease congestion, transportation officials may implement two-way traffic operations on the bridge when weather and traffic conditions allow. However, officials said those operations may be restricted during high westbound traffic volumes, poor visibility, fog, precipitation, wind restrictions, or traffic incidents.
Commercial vehicles are required to use the right lane while crossing the bridge, and drivers are reminded to obey overhead lane control signals, including Red X indicators. MDOT also released recommended travel windows for drivers hoping to avoid the heaviest traffic.
For eastbound travel toward the beaches, officials recommend traveling before 8am Friday, before 7am Saturday, before 10am Sunday, and before 11am on Memorial Day Monday. For westbound return trips, recommended travel times include before 11am Saturday and Sunday, before 9am Monday, and before 6am or after 6pm Tuesday.
Officials encourage travelers to check traffic conditions before heading out. Real-time Bay Bridge traffic information is available 24/7 through Baybridge.com or by calling 1-877-BAYSPAN.
