Traveling the Bay Bridge During 4th of July Weekend?
Put Safety First;
Travel Off-Peak to Avoid Delays;
24/7 Traffic Info 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726)
Save your cash for the boardwalk – full-time all-electronic (cashless) tolling is live at the Bay Bridge. Tolls are now collected via gantry on the Kent Island side. Eastbound motorists on US 50 should prepare to merge at Oceanic Drive (Exit 32) prior to the bridge. Three lanes merge to two, with the left lane opening to traffic when two-way (contraflow) operations are in effect on westbound bridge.
BE SURE TO MOUNT YOUR E-ZPASS TRANSPONDER TO AVOID RECEIVING A NOTICE OF TOLL DUE IN THE MAIL.
The toll plaza has been removed, improving traffic flow during routine, day-to-day bridge operations. However even during pandemic conditions, there are simply not enough bridge lanes for the summertime traffic volumes. Delays are still to be expected at the Bay Bridge and along the US 50 corridor during peak times such as summer weekends, holidays and during emergency incidents due to overall bridge and US 50 capacity.
Travel off-peak when heading to and from the Eastern Shore. The best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend include:
- Friday – before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Saturday, 4th of July – before 6 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Sunday – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Monday– before 6 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Weather and traffic volumes permitting, the MDTA will implement two-way operations to help alleviate eastbound delays at the Bay Bridge. Motorists MUST pay attention and adhere to overhead lane signals.
- DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW: You are permitted to drive in the lane beneath the GREEN ARROW signal.
- YELLOW X: You should prepare to vacate the lane beneath the YELLOW X signal and move to a lane with a DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW.
- RED X: The lane is closed and you MUST NOT enter or travel in any lane over which a RED X signal is shown.
No more stopping to pay tolls!
- Bay Bridge passenger-vehicle drivers without E-ZPass will be mailed a Notice of Toll Due (NOTD) for the temporary Video Toll rate of $4 (standard Video Toll is $6).
- The out-of-state E-ZPass passenger-vehicle rate is $4.
- Motorists pay the lowest tolls with E-ZPass Maryland! E-ZPass Maryland 2-axle toll rate is $2.50 at the Bay Bridge. Sign up 24/7 at ezpassmd.com. E-ZPass "On-the-Go" transponders are available at participating Giant Food and Weis Markets. They come loaded with $25 in tolls ready for immediate use, then sign up online for E-ZPass service. Retail locations can be found here https://www.ezpassmd.com/en/onthego/locations.shtml
Put safety FIRST in any travel plans.
- Stay on US 50 on BOTH sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents.
- Make sure your vehicle is road ready. A vehicle breakdown can create a backup within seconds. If your vehicle breaks down, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.
- Secure your load in vehicles and trailers before traveling. Items that can shift, slide or fall onto the roadway can lead to serious vehicle crashes, especially on roads with no shoulders like bridges.
- Arrive Alive. The MDTA Police will remain vigilant and target dangerous drivers, seatbelt violations and criminal activity. Every crash, injury and death caused by impaired driving is completely preventable.
For 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic information call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) or visit Baybridge.com to view real-time traffic cameras. For real-time updates on major incidents follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA.
DO YOUR PART: If out and about, keep social distance.
