Bay Bridge: When to Travel 4th of July Weekend, Live Traffic Updates

Annapolis, MD — If your Fourth of July weekend means a visit to the Eastern Shore – and why not, with gas prices cheaper than they’ve been in a decade – now is the time to pile the family in the car.

Really. Otherwise prepare for traffic jams.

The Maryland Transportation Authority expects heavy traffic volumes on the Bay Bridge Thursday, June 30, through Monday, July 4. Weather permitting, the state will implement two-way traffic operations to help alleviate eastbound delays.

And be sure to have a sober driver during your road trip. MDTA Police patrols will be on the lookout for impaired drivers at the Bay Bridge on Sunday, July 3.

The MDTA offers these travel tips for 4th of July holiday weekend:

Travel off-peak when heading to and from the Eastern Shore. The best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend include :

• Thursday: Before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Friday/Sunday: Before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Saturday: Before 6 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Monday, July 4: Before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Call 511 to get real-time traffic details east of the Bay Bridge and, when leaving the shore, points west to the bridge to avoid the worst of the Independence Day weekend traffic.

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If you are driving to the Eastern Shore via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Maryland Transportation Authority recommends using 1-877-Bay-Span (1-877-229-7726). When you call 511, just say “Reach the Beach.” The free phone call can eliminate some of the hassle of your road trip.

• SEE ALSO: 4th of July Travel Tips for Maryland Highways As Record Traffic Expected

Maryland's free travel advisory service can also be found online at md511.org. The 511 service also offers travel updates directly by email and text.

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.

Safe Highway, Bay Bridge Driving Tips

To make your crossing of the Bay Bridge and the state’s highways a safe one:

• Devote your full attention to driving. It is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
• Do not tailgate; keep a safe following distance.
• Headlights are required at all times on the Bay Bridge.
• Move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck using visual signals. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• Avoid changing lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.
• Buckle Up! Every Seat. Every Time.
• Keep your eyes on the road; do not sightsee.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.
• Make sure your vehicle is "road ready."
• If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.

When contacting a dispatch center, drivers should be prepared to provide:

• The location of the emergency;
• A call-back telephone number; and
• Details of the incident.