Bay Bridge: Best Times To Cross On Labor Day Weekend, 2020

ANNAPOLIS, MD — If you want to beat the traffic on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge this Labor Day weekend, you'll have to get up with the morning birds or drive with the night owls. Every Marylander knows that if you wait too long, you could get caught in beach traffic for miles. The Maryland Transportation Authority is warning people to drive off hours if they don't want to chance the traffic.

The best times to cross the Bay Bridge this Labor Day weekend are:

• Thursday – Before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Friday – Before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Saturday – Before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Sunday – Before 8 a.m. and after 11 p.m.
• Labor Day Monday – Before 10 a.m. and after 11 p.m

Motorists should expect eastbound traffic on Friday and Saturday. They should also anticipate delays heading west on Sunday and Monday, officials say.

To alleviate some of this congestion, the Transportation Authority will implement two-way traffic on the westbound span of the bridge, so long as weather and traffic volumes permit.

All Maryland tolls are now cashless, regardless of whether travelers have an E-ZPass. Sensors will scan cars' E-ZPasses and license plates on the Kent Island side of the bridge. If a driver does not have an E-ZPass, the Transportation Authority will mail a bill to the address associated with their vehicle.

Highway officials remind E-ZPass customers to mount their device before crossing the Bay Bridge. If the receptor does not pick up their E-ZPass, drivers will still be mailed a bill.

The toll is $2.50 for all Maryland E-ZPass users, $4 for out-of-state E-ZPass travelers and $4 for drivers without an E-ZPass.

What's Open, Restrictions In Ocean City

If you plan to visit Ocean City, be aware that there are coronavirus restrictions in place. Social distancing is mandatory, so keep 6 feet between other visitors. Masks are required in all public places in Maryland where social distancing is not possible. This includes indoor areas, like arcades, and outdoor spaces, like the busy streets.

Mask rules apply to anybody older than 9 at most businesses. Regulations differ on public land, however. On Ocean City property, like the boardwalk, people over the age of 5 must obey mask regulations.

Face coverings are required on the boardwalk between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. Masks are not required on the beach as long as you stay at least 6 feet away from people you don't live with.

Mask enforcement is focusing on education rather than punishment. Police will patrol the boardwalk and ask violators to voluntarily put on a mask. If they refuse to comply, police could charge them with a misdemeanor.

City officials ask visitors to keep gatherings to small groups and follows these guidelines:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash

Visit ococean.com/covid-19-faqs for more information.

Restaurants, pools and shops are open but limited to 50 percent capacity. These limits may relax some if Worcester enters Stage 3 of its coronavirus recovery.

Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Tuesday that counties have permission to enter the last phase of reopenings. This means that some businesses could see expanded capacities in the coming days, if Worcester County permits.

Travelers can monitor the local coronavirus conditions at this link.

Here's how to check on traffic and delays:

• 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 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 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 hassle 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.

Highway officials also shared safe driving reminder for the holiday weekend:

• Stay on US 50 on BOTH sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents.
• Make sure your vehicle is road ready. A vehicle breakdown can create a backup within seconds.
• If your vehicle breaks down, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.
• 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.
• Arrive Alive. The MDTA Police will remain vigilant and target dangerous drivers, seatbelt violations and criminal activity. Every crash, injury and death caused by impaired driving is completely preventable.

When contacting a dispatch center, drivers 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.

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.