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William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge

William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge
(US 50/301)

Bay BridgeThe Bay Bridge crosses the Chesapeake Bay along US 50/301. Its dual spans provide a direct connection between recreational and ocean regions on Maryland's Eastern Shore and the metropolitan areas of Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C. At four miles, the spans are among the world's longest and most scenic over-water structures. The original span opened in July 1952 and provides a two-lane roadway for eastbound traffic. The parallel structure opened in June 1973 and has three lanes for westbound travelers. During periods of heavy eastbound traffic, one lane of the westbound bridge is reversed to carry eastbound travelers ("two-way" traffic operations).

FY 2017 traffic volume - 27.2 million vehicles.

E-ZPass Trasponder  and link to E-ZPass website

The E-ZPass® electronic-toll-collection system is available at the Bay Bridge.

The Best Times to Travel the Bay Bridge this Summer:

Spike and Otis - Don't wing it. Plan ahead.Travel off-peak when crossing from shore to shore. 

Travel off-peak when crossing from shore to shore. The best times to cross the Bay Bridge on weekends include:

  • Friday
    • Eastbound before 10 a.m. & after 9 p.m.
    • Westbound before 10 a.m. & after 8 p.m.
  • Saturday
    • Eastbound before 7 a.m. & after 6 p.m.
    • Westbound before 9 a.m. & after 7 p.m.
  • Sunday
    • E​​​​​​eastbound before 10 a.m. & after 7 p.m.
    • Westbound before 11 a.m. & after 10 p.m.


Hazardous Materials:

Vehicles carrying Class 1 explosives and radioactive materials require an escort to cross the Bay Bridge. For additional information regarding these restrictions, please call 410-537-6601.

Additional Information:

  • Visit baybridge.com, the official website for the Bay Bridge.
  • Visit the Bay Bridge Traffic Advisory page.

Mailing Address:

William Preston Lane Jr.
Memorial Bridge
850 Revell Highway
Annapolis MD 21409-5559

General Information:

410-537-6600
1-888-754-0117
TTY 410-355-7024
E-mail: mdta@mdta.maryland.gov


William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge History:

The [Facility Name] is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.  For more information about its history, follow link to learn more.

William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge Quick Facts:

  • Estimated Annual Traffic:
    • 1952:     1.1 million vehicles (eastbound span opened)
    • 1972:     6.5 million vehicles
    • 1973:     7.3 million vehicles (westbound span opened)
    • 1980:   10.2 million vehicles
    • 1990:   16.6 million vehicles
    • 2000:   23.7 million vehicles
    • 2010:   26.4 million vehicles
    • 2019:   27.6 million vehicles
  • Traffic Capacity (both spans):
    • 1,300 -1,500  vehicles per lane, per hour*
      *This capacity assumes idealized conditions—factors such as adverse weather, two-way operations, roadwork, and roadway incidents typically reduce capacity
  • Construction-Start Dates:
    • November 1949 (eastbound span)
    • May 1969 (westbound span)
  • Opening Dates:
    • July 30, 1952 (eastbound span)
    • June 28, 1973 (westbound span)
  • Construction & Rehabilitation:
    • Eastbound Span original construction: $45 million
    • Westbound Span original construction: $148 million
    • Westbound Span painting (2010): $30.9 million
    • Bay Bridge 2022-2027 Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP): $335.7 million
  • Location:
    • Two-span bridge between Sandy Point and Stevensville, MD
  • Overall Lengths:
    • Shore-to-shore, including causeway: 4.35 miles (eastbound), 4.33 miles (westbound); Bridge structure abutment to abutment: 4.03 miles (eastbound), 3.987 miles (westbound)
  • Height:
    • Vertical clearance: 186 feet Height of suspension-bridge towers: 354 feet (eastbound), 379 feet (westbound)

Other Information:

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Public Calendar

Jun 07

Join MDTA for its 2025 Public Service Project

9 AM

Rock Creek Park
Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane
Rockville, MD 20855

Come join us for the 2025 MDTA Public Service Project at Kengla House across the street from Meadowside Nature Center at Rock Creek Regional Park! This hands-on event will give you the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community while enjoying the beauty of nature. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to public service, there's a role for everyone!

Event Flyer

Saturday, June 7, 2055 (9 a.m. –– Noon) 
Rain or Shine

Volunteers will assist with:

  • Trail maintenance and improvements
  • Technical trail feature installation
  • Vegetation management
  • Pedestrian bridge entrance upgrades

SIGN UP NOW AT: BIT.LY/MDTAJUNE7

For questions about the event, please contact Jacquelyn DeAngelo at JDeAngelo@mdta.state.md.us.

 

 

 

Jun 12

Finance and Administration Committee Meeting - June 12, 2025

9 AM

Livestream

This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the Finance and Administration Committee Meeting Homepage. The Finance and Administration Committee Meeting homepage also provides access to the virtual meeting, schedule, agenda, materials and minutes.

Jun 26

MDTA Board Meeting - June 26, 2025

9 AM

Livestream

This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the MDTA Board Meeting Homepage. The MDTA Board Meeting homepage also provides access to the meeting schedule, materials, agenda and minutes.

 
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