Traffic Tips for Chesapeake Bay Bridge: Avoid Peak Hours

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Gas prices have are about 20 cents a gallon less than a year ago, and even with cooler than normal temperatures and clear skies expected through Monday, when should you hit the road to avoid traffic jams on the Bay Bridge this Labor Day weekend?

Officials with the Maryland Transportation Authority say that to avoid major traffic delays, it's best to leave for vacation before 2 p.m. Thursday, or traveling in the morning or late evening.

And it’s crucial to travel at off-peak times when heading to and from the Eastern Shore. The MDTA says the best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend are:

• Friday - before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Saturday - before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Sunday - before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Check traffic conditions before you hit the road:

• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions.
• Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.
• Follow the MDTA at twitter.com/TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA.
• Ease your travel with E-ZPass. Visit ezpassmd.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. Call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information.

Here's a quick look at the forecast through Labor Day:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
• Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then a chance of showers after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
• Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.
• Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80.
• Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
• Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
• Labor Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Maryland drivers should expect to pay $2.22 a gallon for regular, unleaded gasoline this weekend on average, which is nearly 20 cents a gallon less than a year ago, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.

AAA has online tools to help drivers save on fuel:

• Fuel Price Finder locates the lowest fuel price in your area.
• Fuel Cost Calculator helps budget travel expenses.
• TripTik Mobile plots fuel prices along your travel route.

Rules of the Road:

• 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.