Bay Bridge Fully Reopens After Heavy Delays, Incident With Police

ANNAPOLIS, MD — An "incident with police response" on the westbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge caused miles in delays Friday afternoon. The Maryland Transportation Authority did not open the westbound span for two-way traffic during the afternoon rush hour.

"Heavy delays continue in both directions," officials said in a statement before 4 p.m. They noted there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

Travel from the Eastern Shore was backed up for 10 miles before 3 p.m., while eastbound delays stretched 5 miles, according to authorities.

The two left lanes of the westbound span were closed from the 10 o'clock hour onward. Traffic creeped by in the far right lane.

Highway officials reopened the westbound span in full just before 7 p.m., but delays still linger as the traffic flow recovers.

"All lanes of the westbound Bay Bridge have reopened," the Maryland Transportation Authority said in an update. "We thank our motorists and surrounding community for their patience as 1st responders and MDTA Police safely resolved incident. Delays remain prior to the bridge. "

No further information is available at this time.

How To Monitor Traffic 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.

Help For Those Struggling With Mental Health

If you or someone you know is in crisis, there are resources to help.

Call the Maryland Crisis Hotline at 211 and press 1, or text your zip code to 898-211.

Tips For Safe Driving

Highway officials also remind drivers to follow these safe driving practices:

• Put the cell phone down – it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
• Buckle Up! Every Trip. Every Seat. Every Time.
• 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.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.
• Avoid changing lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.
• Turn your headlights on. They 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, 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.

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