The Best Times To Travel Bay Bridge On July 4 Weekend 2019

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Getting up early or staying up late are the best options to avoid traffic jams on the Bay Bridge over the July 4, 2019, weekend if you're traveling to Maryland's Eastern Shore. Leave at the right time and the drive isn't bad; hit the highway when everyone else does and you can sit in traffic for miles. State highway officials urge travelers to 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 holiday weekend congestion.

The Maryland Transportation Authority urges drivers to plan ahead, travel off-peak and put safety first. The best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend are:

• Thursday, July 4 – before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Friday – before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Saturday – before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Sunday– before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

SEE ALSO:

• Record Traffic Likely, Extra MD Police Patrols On July 4 Weekend
• Maryland July 4 Fireworks, Parades, Races, Concerts: 2019 Guide
• Maryland Fireworks Laws: What's Legal, What's Not

Here's how to check on traffic and delays:

• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions.
• Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.
• Follow the MDTA on social media at 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 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.
• To sign up for email/text alerts or view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov.

Highway officials also shared safe driving reminder for the holiday weekend:

• Put the cell phone down – it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
• Buckle Up! Every Trip. Every Seat. Every Time.
• Move over when approaching an emergency, transportation, service and utility vehicle or tow truck with red, yellow or amber flashing lights. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.
• Avoid changing lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.
• Turn your headlights on. They 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.