Maryland Labor Day 2018 Guide: Weather, Traffic, Things To Do

BALTIMORE, MD — The roots of Labor Day are in the 1880s when unions pushed for an end to 70 hour works weeks, but over the years the holiday has morphed into a day off to extend summer fun, as well as a respite from the daily grind. While the movement to create a national Labor Day had been growing for years — along with efforts to establish an eight-hour work week — it wasn't until 1894 that President Grover Cleveland, looking to appease disgruntled workers in the wake of a railway union strike, signed a bill making it a holiday just days after the strike was broken.

Now, Labor Day is a day when everyone who can takes the day off, relaxes — perhaps with a cookout or seafood feast — and gets ready for school to start on Tuesday. This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 3. From holiday closings to weather, traffic and fun things to do, here's everything you need to know about Labor Day 2018 in Maryland.

AAA Mid-Atlantic predicts a record-breaking surge of traffic on highways with as many as 35.5 million people, including more than 850,000 Washington area residents traveling during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Expect heavy congestion on the 95 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia, as well as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland.

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What's open, what's closed?

Labor Day is a federal holiday, which means government offices (local, state and federal), the post office (so no mail delivery), banks and schools will be, for the most part, closed. Trash pickup for most providers will also be delayed by one day to give workers a day off.

MARC and Metro will be running Sunday/holiday schedules.

Big box stores will be open, and many will be offering Labor Day deals, so it could be a great time to scoop up a bargain. Most, but not all, grocery stores are open. See Also: Labor Day 2018 MD Grocery Hours: Wegmans, Harris Teeter, Safeway

How's the weather?

Labor Day weekend weather will be a bit of a mixed bag. The best chance of rain is Friday at 80 percent chance of precipitation, dropping to a 40 percent chance of more rain on Saturday and Sunday, and a 30 percent chance of showers on Monday. Temperatures will be in the mid-80s all three days, according to the National Weather Service. See: Storms In MD Labor Day Weekend: What To Expect

What's happening?

While most people will have the weekend off, there's still plenty to do. From live music to food fests to free fireworks, there's plenty happening in Maryland over the long weekend.
Check it out: Maryland Labor Day Weekend: Festivals, Parades, More

Traffic, best time to cross Bay Bridge and gas prices

If you plan to drive to the Eastern Shore for Labor Day, avoid hitting the road on Friday afternoon. It's expected to be the busiest travel time during Labor Day weekend. More than 327,000 vehicles will cross the Bay Bridge (US 50/301) during the holiday weekend, estimates the Maryland Transportation Authority. If you are heading east on Friday, your best time to cross the Bay Bridge will be after 9 p.m. If you opt to depart Saturday, it is best to cross the span before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

All told, more than 2.1 million motorists will travel through Maryland’s toll facilities over the Labor Day holiday weekend, the MDTA predicts. This total represents a 1.5 percent increase in traffic volumes on the tollways in the state compared to last year.

Gas prices were actually slightly down this week in Maryland, at an average of $2.79 per gallon, down 4 cents from early in the week. The national average was $2.83 per gallon. AAA said prices could slightly increase over the long weekend.

Need more travel info? Find it here: Why MD Traffic Will Be Even Worse Labor Day Weekend

• Here's When MD Toll Facilities Will Be Busiest Labor Day Weekend

Also Read:

• Free Labor Day DQ Blizzards: How To Claim Them In Maryland
• Labor Day 2018: 5 Things To Know About Worker's Holiday

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