BALTIMORE, MD—Motorists planning to use the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the U.S. 50 corridor for Independence Day travel should prepare for heavy traffic and significant delays from Wednesday, July 2, through Monday, July 7, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) announced Monday.
The MDTA is urging travelers to adjust their schedules to cross the bridge during off-peak hours to minimize congestion.
Recommended Eastbound Travel Times:
- Wednesday, July 2: Before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Thursday, July 3: Before 7 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Friday, July 4: Before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- Saturday, July 5: Before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- Sunday, July 6: Before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- Monday, July 7: Before 12 p.m. and after 7 p.m.
Recommended Westbound Travel Times:
- Wednesday, July 2: Before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Thursday, July 3: Before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Friday, July 4: Before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Saturday, July 5: Before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Sunday, July 6: Before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Monday, July 7: Before 6 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
The MDTA warns that those who travel outside these recommended times should anticipate substantial delays, as traffic volume is expected to exceed the bridge’s lane capacity. Motorists are also advised to remain on U.S. 50 on both sides of the bridge to ensure local roadways remain clear for first responders and residents.
Weather and traffic permitting, the MDTA may implement two-way traffic operations, diverting one eastbound lane to the westbound span, to help alleviate gridlock. However, these operations are subject to westbound traffic volumes and are prohibited during wind warnings/restrictions, fog or limited visibility, precipitation, and during incidents.
Drivers should pay close attention to overhead lane signals, which indicate lane closures (RED X), prepare-to-vacate (YELLOW X), and open lanes (DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW) before, on, and after the bridge.
MDTA Police will conduct regular patrols and targeted traffic safety initiatives, including enforcing violations of lane-use control signals. Aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads can be reported to MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911.
For real-time 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic information, motorists can call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) or visit https://www.BayBridge.com.
See the full Fourth of July Bay Bridge travel forecast graphic below.
Photo via MDTA
