Bay Bridge: When to Travel, Real-Time Traffic Updates

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maybe you didn't trust the weather forecast. After what felt like months of cloudy days, could we get lucky enough to have three sunny days in a row?

So, you're getting a late start to the Eastern Shore. 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 Memorial Day weekend traffic. 

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.

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.

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 This weekend, state highway officials expect 377,000 vehicles to cross the Bay Bridge.

“With gasoline prices lower than last year, more people may choose to drive for a weakened getaway, increasing the chances of heavy traffic and delays,” said SHA Administrator Gregory Johnson. “We urge drivers to leave at off-peak times, ensure your vehicle is in good working order and plan your route with 511.”

• SEE ALSO: Passersby Talk to Suicidal Man Rescued from Bay Bridge: Update

The State Highway Administration has suspended all non-emergency lane closures and shoulder work associated with construction until Tuesday, May 31, to help ease traffic congestion, and added emergency patrols to high-volume areas.  The extra patrols rapidly respond to disabled vehicles, crashes or other incidents that create traffic problems.  

To avoid major traffic delays, drivers should hit the road in the morning or late evening. The MDTA says the best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend are:

• Friday: After 10 p.m.
• Saturday: Before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Sunday/Monday: Before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

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.