Here's When MD Toll Sites Will Be Busiest Labor Day Weekend 2019

BALTIMORE, MD — As Maryland families hit the highways for a final summer weekend at the beach or state fair before school starts, the Maryland Transportation Authority says more than 2.4 million drivers are likely to travel using its facilities over the Labor Day 2019 holiday weekend. Drivers should plan ahead, travel to the beach at off-peak times and put safety first. The estimated travel count would be a 1 percent increase in traffic volume compared to last year.

If you plan to spend your holiday weekend on the Eastern Shore, call 511 to get real-time traffic details east of the Bay Bridge and, when leaving the shore, points west of the bridge to avoid the worst of the weekend traffic.

MDTA officials expect these vehicle counts at toll facilities between Friday, Aug. 30, and Monday, Sept. 2:

• William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge (US 50/301) – more than 440,000.
• John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95) – more than 675,000.
• Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95, I-395) – more than 690,000.
• Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) – more than 230,000

An additional 400,000 vehicles are expected by the MDTA to travel the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895), the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) and the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US 301) combined. All totals represent traffic in both directions.

Given the sheer number of travelers, MDTA officials say the best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend are:

• Thursday – Before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Friday – Before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
• Saturday – Before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Sunday – Before 8 a.m. and after midnight
• Labor Day Monday – Before 10 a.m. and after midnight

Check traffic conditions before you hit the road:

• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions or visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.
• Ease your travel with E-ZPass. E-ZPass transponders are free and no $1.50 monthly fee is charged. Visit ezpassmd.com to enroll online and for a list of E-ZPass "On the Go" retail locations.
• Follow the MDTA on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA. To sign up for email/text alerts or view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov.
• Know Before You Go - To view traffic cameras on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov. Call 511 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 hassle of your road trip.
• Need to rest or fuel up? Stop by the Maryland or Chesapeake House travel plazas along I-95 in northeast Maryland.
• Consider the Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 and I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) in Baltimore during your holiday travels. Visit mdta.maryland.gov for toll rates.
• Construction Reminder: I-895 Bridge Project currently features two-way traffic on I-895 north of the Harbor Tunnel. One lane is open in each direction, separated by barrier. Drivers should use I-695/Key Bridge and I-95/Fort McHenry Tunnel as alternate routes.

Drunken Drivers

MDTA Police will be on the roads targeting aggressive and impaired drivers, seatbelt violators and criminal activity. Additional MDTA Police patrols will be on the lookout for impaired drivers at Maryland toll facilities throughout the holiday weekend.

The MDTA Police and Vehicle Recovery Units will have additional patrols on duty to respond quickly to incidents and disabled vehicles during the holiday weekend. In addition, the MDTA will lift construction-related temporary lane closures at its facilities from 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Safe Driving Tips

• Devote your full attention to driving – it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
• Buckle Up! Every Seat. Every Time.
• State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck using visual signals. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.
• Headlights are required at all times on the Bay Bridge.
• Keep your eyes on the road – do not sight-see.
• Do not tailgate - keep a safe following distance.
• Make sure your vehicle is "road ready."
• If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.
• When contacting a dispatch center, motorists should be prepared to provide: The location of the emergency; a call-back telephone number; and details of the incident/disabled vehicle or other circumstances.

The E-ZPass Maryland Customer Service Centers will be closed on Monday, Sept. 23. Visit the website or use the automated system at 1-888-321-6824.