These Are Best Times To Cross Chesapeake Bay Bridge For July 4

ANNAPOLIS, MD — With sunny skies and temps expected to reach the mid-80s all week, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge should be crowded for the July 4 holiday week, say 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 perfect beach weather forecast could bring additional traffic eastbound to the boardwalks and beaches throughout the week. Ocean City will host a beach dance party on July 3, plus concerts and fireworks at two locations on the evening of July 4, along with the regular fun the resort city offers.

The authority anticipates heavy traffic volumes on the Bay Bridge Tuesday, July 3, through Sunday, July 8.
Weather permitting, the MDTA will implement two-way traffic operations (when one lane of eastbound traffic travels on the westbound span) on the westbound span to help alleviate potential eastbound delays.

The best times to travel this week are:

• Tuesday, July 3 – before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, 4th of July - before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Thursday, July 5 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Friday, July 6 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Saturday, July 7 – before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Sunday July 8 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

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. Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and mdta.maryland.gov to sign up for email/text alerts.

MDTA Police patrols will be on the lookout for impaired drivers at Maryland toll facilities.

Shore-bound travelers are reminded to stay on US 50 and not turn local roads into interstates. Local roads cannot handle the volume of vehicles and will quickly gridlock residents in their neighborhoods, preventing emergency services access.

Just in time for peak summer travel, MDOT SHA completed the upgrade and re-paving of US 113 (Worcester Highway) on June 29. This critical Eastern Shore artery will now showcase four lanes of traffic between Five Mile Branch Road and Masseys Branch (Phase 3) in Worcester County.

Come July 3, getaway travelers and those clocking out earlier throughout the afternoon will intermingle and mix on area interstates during rush hour, spawning the biggest traffic slowdowns during the holiday travel period, predicts AAA MidAtlantic. That is to be expected, given the fact that a grand total of 3.4 million persons from the Washington, D.C. metro area, Maryland and Virginia will travel for the Fourth of July. Of that number, 2.9 million persons from the three areas will travel by automobile to their Fourth of July holiday destinations.

The authority has reminders for drivers on busy roads this week:

• Devote your full attention to driving – it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
• Buckle Up! Every Seat. Every Time.
• State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck using visual signals. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.
• Avoid changing lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.
• Headlights are required at all times on the Bay Bridge.
• Keep your eyes on the road – do not sight-see.
• Do not tailgate - keep a safe following distance.
• Make sure your vehicle is “road ready.”
• If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.
• When contacting a dispatch center, motorists should be prepared to provide: The location of the emergency; a call-back telephone number; and details of the incident/disabled vehicle or other circumstances.

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Image courtesy of the state of Maryland