BALTIMORE, MD—With millions expected to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, the Maryland Department of Transportation is preparing for heavy traffic and urging residents to prioritize safety.
According to AAA, more than 45 million people nationwide will travel more than 50 miles from home, an increase of 1.4 million compared to last year. Most of these travelers, 39.4 million, will be taking road trips, while 3.6 million plan to fly.
In Maryland, thousands of residents are expected to head to the Eastern Shore beaches, potentially causing heavier than normal traffic on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and return traffic on Monday.
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is urging travelers to slow down, stay alert and buckle up. “Summertime is when many Marylanders explore our state’s beauty and create life-long memories,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Historically, the summer months are also when we see an increase in deadly crashes across the state. Help us save lives this summer. I urge everyone to join the Department in being Serious About Safety and practicing safe driving – buckle up, slow down, pay attention and drive sober. Together we can bend the curve on roadway fatalities and work towards Maryland’s goal of zero deaths.”
Last year, Maryland roads claimed 575 lives. This year has seen 150 fatalities.
To help ease congestion and ensure safety, the State Highway Administration will suspend major lane closures for non-emergency roadwork from 3 p.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Additionally, the agency will increase patrols of its Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (CHART) to assist disabled vehicles and clear incidents.
For those traveling across the Bay Bridge, MDOT expects more than 340,000 vehicles to cross between Friday and Monday. Motorists should stay on US 50 on both sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents.
Expect travel delays in both directions – often simultaneously – at the Bay Bridge and along the US 50 corridor throughout the entire holiday travel period when traveling during peak hours. The best times to travel across the Bay Bridge this holiday period include:
• Eastbound
o Thursday, May 22 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
o Friday, May 23 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
o Saturday, May 24 – before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
o Sunday, May 25 – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
o Memorial Day Monday, May 26 – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
o Tuesday, May 27 – before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Westbound
o Thursday, May 22 – before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
o Friday, May 23 – before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
o Saturday, May 24 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
o Sunday, May 25 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
o Memorial Day Monday, May 26 – before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
o Tuesday, May 27 – before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Maryland’s tolled facilities accept E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate, and Video Tolling. Learn more about E-ZPass and Pay-By-Plate at https://www.driveezmd.com/acct-types/.
Air travelers should brace for busy security checkpoints at BWI Airport. Travelers flying from BWI Marshall Airport should allow ample time for airline check-in and security.
BWI Marshall Airport has seen passenger counts reach or surpass pre-pandemic levels, with 27 million passengers in 2024.
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will operate on a modified schedule on Memorial Day. CityLink and LocalLink buses, Light RailLink and MetroSubway will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule, while Commuter Bus will operate Bus Route 201 on a Weekend/Holiday “S” schedule.
MobilityLink won’t offer subscription rides over Memorial Day weekend. Customers who need to reschedule rides can call the MobilityLink Call Center at 410-764-8181.
Additional information is available in the graphics below.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo via MDOT
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