Why MD Traffic Will Be Even Worse Labor Day Weekend 2018

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A combination of drivers headed to the Eastern Shore for Labor Day weekend fun, the late Sen. John McCain's burial at the U.S. Naval Academy cemetery in Annapolis and a University of Maryland football game at FedEx Field will create major delays on the region's highways, officials warn. More than 2.1 million drivers are likely to travel using state facilities over the holiday weekend.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration on Thursday urged drivers to plan extra travel time and continue the practice of leaving early and staying late as the Labor Day weekend approaches. Hundreds of thousands of drivers will be traveling to eastern Maryland for the holiday before school starts. Additionally, on Sunday, Sept. 2, McCain’s burial will occur at the Naval Academy. Major routes, including US 50, MD 70 (Rowe Boulevard) could be severely congested as the funeral procession travels from Washington, D.C., to Annapolis.

Adding to congestion in the area on Saturday, Sept. 1, is the Maryland/Texas college football game at FedEx Field in Landover, officials said in a news release.

SEE ALSO: Here's When MD Toll Facilities Will Be Busiest Labor Day Weekend

Best/Worst Travel Times

MDTA officials say the best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend are:

• Thursday – after 6 p.m.
• Friday – before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
• Saturday – before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Sunday – before 8 a.m. and after midnight
• Labor Day Monday – before 10 a.m. and after midnight

Check traffic conditions before you hit the road:

• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions or visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.
• Follow the MDTA on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA or on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA. To view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov.
• Call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information. When you call 511, just say "Reach the Beach" for Eastern Shore conditions.

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Non-emergency construction will be suspended on major interstates and primary routes during the Labor Day holiday. Extra highway patrols will be added on key beach routes beginning Thursday. The state's CHART (Coordinated Highway Action Response Team) is on the road around the clock and, on average, responds to a crash or disabled vehicle every 7.5 minutes.

“Traveling to the Eastern Shore on eastbound US 50 got a lot easier this year thanks to the fourth lane on the Severn River Bridge and a dualized MD 404,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Gregory Slater in a news release. “These improvements are benefitting millions of travelers each month and providing a safer commute.”

Other projects making travel on Maryland’s Eastern Shore easier include the completion of rehabilitation of 11 bridge driving surfaces on the Salisbury Bypass, a new pedestrian safety fence and resurfacing project on Coastal Highway in Ocean City and a new interchange on US 301 (Blue Star Memorial Highway) at MD 304 (Ruthsburg Road) in Queen Anne’s County.

Check your vehicles closely before hitting the highway, experts say. Check tires for proper traction and pressure and look for damage. Check belts and hoses for excess wear and replace hoses if there is a leak. A quick inspection of the vehicle can help reduce the likelihood of a breakdown and will help keep lanes clear.

Drivers are reminded to stay on US 50 and not turn local roads into interstates. Local roads can’t handle the volume of vehicles and will quickly gridlock residents in their neighborhoods, SHA says.

Stay safe on the road:

• Buckle up! It’s the law. All seats, all the time – yes, even the backseat;
• Don’t drive after drinking. Designate a sober driver;
• Park the cell phone and mobile device and pay close attention to the road ahead;
• Get plenty of rest before hitting the road; and
• Travel at the posted speed limit.

Image via Shutterstock