Bay Bridge Run Expected To Bring Heavy Traffic During Halloween Race

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The eastbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge will be closed to traffic from about 12:01 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, weather permitting. This shutdown will accommodate the 10K Bay Bridge Run on Halloween.

Highway officials warned drivers to expect significant delays. To avoid traffic, Sunday travelers should cross before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

The Maryland Transportation Authority will oversee two-way traffic that day on the westbound span. One lane will serve each direction.

The middle lane will be closed most of the day. It may open periodically to relieve westbound delays.

Leaders also announced these closures on the Eastern Shore:

• "The off-ramp from eastbound US 50 to MD 8 will be closed. A detour will be in place to direct motorists to the next exit at Thompson Creek Road. From there, motorists will travel westbound on MD 835 to the signal at MD 8."
• "The on-ramp from MD 8 to westbound US 50 will be closed. Traffic attempting to access westbound US 50 will be directed to MD 18 to the roundabout at Castle Marina Road and onto westbound US 50. Additionally, residents wishing to travel west on US 50 are advised to approach the highway from either Duke Street or Castle Marina Road."
• "MD 18 between Main Street and Love Point Road will be closed. All traffic will be detoured through Stevensville on Love Point Road and Main Street."

The Bay Bridge Run's in-person race is sold out. Planners recently added a virtual option for runners interested in participating remotely.

The race starts on the Anne Arundel County side of the bridge. The course ends in Queen Anne's County, where a Kent Island afterparty is scheduled.

More information on the event is posted at thebaybridgerun.com.

Traffic, Safety Tips

Here's how to check the traffic:

• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions. Any pressing travel updates will be posted on the MDTA's Twitter.
• 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 driveezmd.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 hassles 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.

Along with delays, authorities will be on the lookout for risky behavior on the roads. Travelers can report aggressive drivers to highway police at 410-537-7911.

The MDTA also offered these safety tips:

• Allow for extra time to get to your destination.
• Slow down. Speed limits are designed to protect everyone. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of a crash.
• Devote your full attention to driving and maintain a safe following distance.
• Move over. State law requires vehicles to 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.
• Secure your load in vehicles and trailers before traveling. Items that can shift, slide or fall onto the roadway can lead to serious vehicle crashes, especially on roads with no shoulders like bridges.
• Make sure your vehicle is road ready. A breakdown can create a backup within seconds. If your vehicle breaks down, exit the roadway or, if that isn’t possible, remain inside your vehicle and call #77 for assistance.

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