William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge All Electronic (Cashless) Tolling

In May 2020, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) began collecting tolls via highway-speed all-electronic tolling (AET) at the Bay Bridge (US 50/301). With cashless toll collection, there’s no slowing or stopping to pay tolls. Instead, motorists pay tolls at highway speed via E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate or Video Tolling. Benefits include increased safety, less engine idling and better fuel efficiency.

Work to install an Automatic Lane Control System (ALCS) at the Bay Bridge began in February 2020. ALCS is an integrated system for opening and closing lanes for two-way trafﬁc operations on the bridge. The ALCS will enhance the current cone and barrel system by allowing remote implementation and discontinuation of two-way traffic on the Bay Bridge’s Eastern and Western shores.

Installation of ALCS elements like signs, gates and roadway markings is underway along US 50/301 leading to and from the Bay Bridge. In addition, crews are improving the roadway configuration in the area of the former toll plaza to support the new ALCS system and critical safety inspections performed by the MDTA Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Unit.

These improvements are anticipated to be complete in fall 2022.

To learn more about all-electronic tolling and the Automated Lane Closure System at the Bay Bridge, please see the additional information below.

The Bay Bridge automated lane closure system
(ALCS) is a project constructed for opening and
closing lanes for two-way traffic operations on the
bridge. Since two-way operations were implemented,
lane closures have been done manually. The ALCS
will enhance the current cone and barrel system by
allowing remote implementation and discontinuation
of two-way traffic on the Bay Bridge’s Eastern and
Western shores.

The ALCS will include overhead lane-use signals,
dynamic message signs, horizontal swing gates, and
illuminated pavement markers. These enhancements
will be integrated into the existing bridge traffic
control system.

SAFETY BENEFITS

Increase safety – reduces crashes
Superior incident response
Safer work environment for employees

CUSTOMER SAVINGS BENEFITS

Less set-up time – reduces congestion associated with manual lane closure operations (cones, signs, arrow panel set-up)
Advance notice for incidents – increases safety associated with late lane changing
Increases reliability

The above swing gate will replace the current cone and barrel system, allowing remote implementation and discontinuation of two-way traffic while ensuring motorist safety, ease of integration and operational efficiency.

ABOUT CONSTRUCTION

Work on the project, such as conduit boring and installation, began in February 2020 on the Eastern Shore and January 2021 on the Western Shore. In Fall 2022, the automated lane closure system
will be in place. After the system is live, the MDTA will provide a transitional period with some manual support of the gates system to familiarize motorists to the closure scenarios.