Bay Bridge: Best Times To Cross On Memorial Day Weekend 2021

ANNAPOLIS, MD — If you want to beat the traffic on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge this Memorial Day weekend, you'll have to get up with the morning birds or drive with the night owls. Every Marylander knows if you wait too long, you could get caught in beach traffic for miles.

The Maryland Transportation Authority warned drivers to travel off-hours if they don't want to chance the traffic this holiday weekend.

Best Times To Cross

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

• Thursday, May 27 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Friday, May 28 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Saturday, May 29 – before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Sunday, May 30 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Memorial Day Monday, May 31 – before 8 a.m. and after 11 p.m.

Drivers should expect eastbound traffic Thursday through Saturday. They should also anticipate westbound delays on Sunday and Monday.

If weather and traffic permit, the MDTA will open two-way operations to ease some of the traffic heading east. Wind, fog and rain could disrupt this plan, however.

Officials asked drivers to stay on U.S. Route 50 even if it is congested. This will keep local roads clear for first responders and residents.

Traffic, Safety Tips

Here's how to check the traffic:

• 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 driveezmd.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 hassles 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.

Along with delays, authorities will be on the lookout for risky behavior on the roads. Travelers can report aggressive drivers to highway police at 410-537-7911.

"The MDTA Police will remain vigilant and target dangerous drivers, seat belt violations and criminal activity throughout the holiday travel period," highway officials said in an email. "We remind drivers that every crash, injury and death caused by impaired driving is completely preventable."

The MDTA also offered these safety tips:

• Devote your full attention to driving and maintain a safe following distance.
• State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency, transportation, service and utility vehicle or tow truck with red, yellow or amber flashing lights. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• 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.
• Make sure your vehicle is road-ready. A breakdown can create a backup within seconds. If your vehicle breaks down, exit the roadway or, if that isn’t possible, remain inside your vehicle and call #77 for assistance.

Ocean City Coronavirus Rules

Ocean City revoked its mask mandate earlier this month. Individual establishments can still require face coverings if they want.

All businesses can operate at full capacity. Click here for more information on the town's coronavirus situation.

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RELATED:

• New Bay Bridge Crossing Site Proposed By MD Officials
• Comment Period Open For Proposed Bay Bridge 3rd Span Location

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