With the July 4th holiday falling on a Thursday this year, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) anticipates heavy traffic volumes on the Bay Bridge starting Wednesday, July 3,through Sunday, July 7, 2019.
Weather permitting, the MDTA will utilize two-way traffic operations to help alleviate eastbound delays.
The MDTA offers the following travel tips for this holiday weekend:
– Travel off-peak when heading to and from the Eastern Shore. The best times to travel the Bay Bridge this week include:
* Wednesday – before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
* Thursday, 4th of July – before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
* Friday – before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
* Saturday – before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
* Sunday– before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
– For real-time updates on major incidents follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA. Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions. Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and mdta.maryland.gov to sign up for email/text alerts.
– Stay on US 50 to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents.
– Get there faster with E-ZPass! E-ZPass transponders are FREE, and there’s no $1.50 monthly fee. Visit ezpassmd.com to enroll online and for a list of E-ZPass “On the Go” retail locations.
MDTA Police patrols will be on the lookout for impaired and other dangerous drivers at Maryland toll facilities. Sober drivers save lives! Visit BeLegendaryMD.com.
For your SAFETY and the SAFETY of other motorists and emergency personnel:
– Park the Phone – 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, 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, and do not tailgate.
– 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.
– Make sure your vehicle is “road ready.” If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.
When contacting a dispatch center, motorists 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.
The E-ZPass Maryland Customer Service Centers will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5. Visit ezpassmd.com or use the automated system at 1-888-321-6824.
