Chesapeake Bay Bridge: Best, Worst Times To Cross This Weekend

ANNAPOLIS, MD — With sunny skies and temps expected to reach the mid-70s on Friday and Saturday, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge should be crowded this weekend, says state transportation officials, who warn that you should expect delays going to and from the Eastern Shore. They have suggested times to cross the bridge with the least amount of stop-and-go traffic, and how you can check on its status before you hit the highway.

The Maryland Transportation Authority says the forecast for abnormally warm weather falling on the weekend could bring additional traffic eastbound to the boardwalks and beaches. Ocean City will host the Komen MD Ocean City Race for the Cure on Saturday, along with the regular fun the resort city offers.

The MDTA will monitor traffic conditions throughout the weekend and, weather permitting, implement two-way operations (when one lane of eastbound traffic travels on the westbound span) on the westbound span to help alleviate potential eastbound delays. Two-way will NOT be implemented in inclement weather.

A hazardous weather outlook was issued for the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, and adjacent counties in central Maryland, says the National Weather Service. A red flag warning is in effect for the region Thursday afternoon and evening, when gale force winds are possible across the waters.

The MDTA encourages driver to travel off-peak. The best times to travel this weekend are:

• Friday – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Saturday – before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Sunday – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Drivers should remain on US 50 to keep local roads open for first responders and residents.

For the most up-to-date information call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) or get real-time updates on Twitter at TheMDTA. Find the agency on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA. For statewide traffic conditions, visit md511.org.

See live traffic camera images on MDTA roadways at mdta.maryland.gov.

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Image courtesy of the state of Maryland