Bay Bridge Delays Likely For Wind, Weather Restrictions June 22

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Delays are likely on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Friday afternoon because of poor weather conditions, says the Maryland Transportation Authority. Bay Bridge wind warnings went into effect at 11:30 p.m. with wind speeds/gusts of 30 to 39 mph.

Winds of 30 to 39 mph trigger wind warnings, transportation officials say. Drivers of house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds should use extra caution while crossing the bridge. State transportation officials urge drivers to keep both hands on the wheel and slow down during periods of strong winds.

The National Weather Service says there is an 80 percent chance of rain throughout the day, along with gusty winds, which may prevent officials from implementing two-way operations (during which one lane of eastbound traffic is directed to the westbound span) at the Bay Bridge. Drivers may experience delays during the afternoon rush-hour period.

Officials will monitor weather conditions and will implement two-way operations if possible, according to an MDTA news release. Reduce normal travel speeds and increase your following distance in these conditions. Keep your vehicle’s lights on to increase your visibility to other drivers.

If you're driving to the Eastern Shore this weekend the best Bay Bridge travel times are: Friday/Sunday before 10 am and after 10 pm and Saturday before 7 am and after 5 pm.

Check traffic conditions before you hit the road:

• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions.
• Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.
• Follow the MDTA at twitter.com/TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA.
• Ease your travel with E-ZPass. Visit ezpassmd.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. Call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information.

Photo via MDTA