Annapolis, MD — It’s going to be busy out on the roads this weekend, but the Maryland Transportation Authority says there are ways you can reduce your chance of getting stuck in heavy holiday weekend traffic.
MDTA expects 2.4 million drivers to travel Maryland bridges, tunnels and roadways over the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The keys to avoid problems are to plan ahead, travel off-peak and put safety first.
Expect toll booths to be especially busy with the following number of vehicles expected to pass through toll facilities between Friday, Aug. 30, and Monday, Sept. 2:
William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge (US 50/301) – more than 440,000.
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95) – more than 675,000.
Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95, I-395) – more than 690,000.
Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) – more than 230,000.
Additionally 400,000 vehicles are expected to travel the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895), the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40), and the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US 301).
MDTA says it’s best to drive at off-peak when heading to and from the Eastern Shore.
The best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend include:
- Thursday – before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Friday – before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
- Saturday – before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Sunday – before 8 a.m. and after midnight
- Labor Day Monday – before 10 a.m. and after midnight
And don’t try to avoid the crowd by taking local roadways. MDTA asks drivers to stay on US 50 to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents.
And don’t forget about construction. The I-895 Bridge Project currently features two-way traffic on I-895 north of the Harbor Tunnel. One lane is open in each direction, separated by barrier. Motorists should use I-695/Key Bridge and I-95/Fort McHenry Tunnel as alternate routes.
Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions or visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras.