Bay Bridge Traffic Backs Up; Wind Whips Through MD

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Strong winds and Friday traffic are causing delays near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. By 3:57 p.m., congestion stretched for 5 miles before the Eastbound span.

The backups started at the Severn River Bridge, the Maryland Transportation Authority tweeted. Traffic is flowing smoothly on the westbound crossing, however.

Meteorologists forecasted wind gusts of up to 60 mph on Friday. That forced the bridge to follow limited wind restrictions. House trailers and empty box trailers are not allowed to cross.

Two-way operations are also prohibited. This could disrupt afternoon commutes.

"The MDTA will make every effort to keep all of its facilities open as long as conditions are deemed safe to do so," highway officials said in an email. "Please keep travel speeds down and both hands on the steering wheel during these conditions. Wind gusts are unpredictable."

This story was last updated Friday at 4:05 p.m. Head to twitter.com/TheMDTA to see the latest information.

Here is the scale that the MDTA uses to determine who can use the bridge:

• Wind Warnings (sustained wind speeds of 30-39 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 30 mph over a period of 15 mins) operators of house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds are advised to use caution while traveling across the bridge.
• Limited Wind Restrictions (sustained wind speeds of 40-49 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 40 mph over a period of 15 mins) house trailers, empty box trailers or any vehicle that, in the opinion of law-enforcement personnel, may not safely cross the bridge will be prohibited from traveling the bridge. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.
• Full Wind Restrictions (sustained wind speeds exceeding 50 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 50 mph over a period of 15 mins) only automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy-laden tractor/trailers are permitted to cross the bridge. Tractor-box trailer combinations will not be permitted to cross any bridge if the gross weight is less than 64,000 pounds.
• Traffic Holds/Bridge Closure (sustained wind speeds exceeding 55 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 55 mph over a period of 15 mins) In the event of a sudden increase of sustained wind speeds or wind gusts that could jeopardize life or property, the MDTA may elect to discontinue the movement of all traffic across the bridge.

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.

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RELATED:

• New Bay Bridge Crossing Site Proposed By MD Officials
• Bay Bridge Roadwork Resumes Next Week: What To Expect

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