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Spring of 2015 Travel Tips

The MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) offers the following travel tips for the spring months:

Don't Wing It. Plan Ahead!

  • For real-time updates on major incidents follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA.
  • Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions.
  • Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.
  • Know Before You Go - call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information. To view traffic cameras on MDTA roadways, click on the Traffic Cameras.
  • Check Traffic Advisories for MDTA scheduled construction and maintenance projects.
  • Get there faster with E-ZPass. Visit ezpassmd.com to enroll on-line and for a list of E-ZPass "On the Go" retail locations.
  • For all toll rates, use our online Toll Rate Calculator.
  • I-95 Now Has a Shortcut - I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) now open between White Marsh and I-895 in Baltimore.

I-95 South of Fort McHenry Tunnel: A major rehabilitation project is underway on I-95 in Baltimore City. EXPECT MAJOR DELAYS or use the Key Bridge (I-695) or Harbor Tunnel (I-895) if traveling through Baltimore City. Project details and the latest traffic advisories are available at http://www.mdta.maryland.gov/Capital_Projects/I-95_Southern_Approach_to_the_FMT_Preservation_Project/Home.html

Bay Bridge: Weather permitting, the MDTA will implement two-way traffic operations to help alleviate delays on the bridge.

Please be aware of safety signage on the Bay Bridge, including:

· MANDATORY HEADLIGHT USE AREA. Headlights are required at all times on the bridge.

  • Curve warning signs and 40 mph speed-limit signs prior to curves;
  • CONGESTION AHEAD signs;
  • YOUR SPEED IS driver feedback signs; and
  • DO NOT TAILGATE signs.

Please use caution, reduce speeds and increase following distances when traveling on wet roads. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility.

Seasonal Tips:

· Precipitation along with the winter freeze-thaw cycle produces potholes. As crews statewide continue their repair process, please use caution and slow down if you encounter a pothole in your travels.

To report a pothole on a Maryland toll facility road please email: mdta@mdta.maryland.gov

· Icy conditions may still be present during overnight and morning periods.

· Always be alert for motorcycles, as they can be hard to spot.

· Watch out for increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

· Spring is an active season for wildlife. Stay alert for animals on the move.

· When driving in fog, motorists should use low beam headlights since the high beam setting creates glare and reduces visibility.

For your safety and the safety of other motorists and emergency personnel:

· Slow down in work zones. Lives are on the line. Expect the unexpected.

· If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.

· Devote your full attention to driving - it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.

· State law requires that every passenger in a moving vehicle be secured with a seat belt or child safety restraint.

· Do not change lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.

· State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck using visual signals. If you are unable to move over, slow down.

· Wipers on, headlights on.

· Pay attention to lane markings and rumble strips on the Bay Bridge westbound span. Lane changes between the westbound left and center lanes are prohibited for the entire span, whether or not two-way operations are in effect.

· Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.

· Keep a safe following distance to avoid rear-end collisions.

· Keep your eyes on the road - do not sight-see.

· Make sure your vehicle is "road ready."

On all MDTA bridges, wind warnings and restrictions would be implemented as outlined below:

  • Wind Warning (sustained wind speeds or wind gusts of 30-39 mph) 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.
  • Wind Restriction I (sustained wind speeds or wind gusts of 40-49 mph) 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.
  • Wind Restriction II (sustained wind speeds or wind gusts exceeding 50 mph) 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 or wind gusts exceeding 55 mph) 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 traffic across the bridge.

The MDTA thanks motorists for their patience.

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