Chesapeake Bay Bridge Under Wind Restrictions, Expect Delays

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Two-way traffic has been prohibited Friday, March 22, on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which is under limited wind restrictions. Eastbound drivers should expect afternoon delays, state transportation officials said. No house or empty box trailers will be allowed across the bridge.

Limited wind restrictions also remain in effect at I-95/Tydings Bridge, while wind warnings remain in effect at I-695/Key, Nice/Middleton and the US 40/Hatem bridges, the Maryland Transportation Authority said.

Triggered by 30 to 39 mph winds, wind warnings mean drivers of the following vehicles should use extra caution: house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds.

Officials urged drivers to keep travel speeds down and both hands on the steering wheel during these conditions. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not hazardous road conditions. Wind gusts are unpredictable.

On all MDTA bridges, wind warnings and restrictions would be implemented as outlined:

• Wind Warnings (sustained wind speeds of 30-39 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 30 mph over a period of 15 mins) operators of house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds are advised to use caution while traveling across the bridge.
• Limited Wind Restrictions (sustained wind speeds of 40-49 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 40 mph over a period of 15 mins) house trailers, empty box trailers or any vehicle that, in the opinion of law-enforcement personnel, may not safely cross the bridge will be prohibited from traveling the bridge. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.

You can call the 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) hotline for the latest conditions. Get real-time updates on major incidents on Twitter and see live traffic camera images on MDTA roadways at mdta.maryland.gov. Or follow the MDTA on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA. For statewide traffic conditions, visit md511.org.