5-20-2025 4:46am

Avoiding Bridge Backups

Jeff Barto Editor

Best Times to Cross the Bay Bridge

Tolling Payment Options

The Memorial Day holiday marks the start of the peak travel season on roadways. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) wants every motorist and their passengers to safely reach their holiday destinations by committing to safe driving practices. Maryland’s toll facilities will be in high demand, especially the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay Bridge), as drivers cross from shore to shore. The MDTA provides the best times to drive the bridge to alleviate travel delays.

For motorists traveling in and around the Baltimore metropolitan area, please note that the southeast section of the I-695 Beltway is closed at MD 173 (Exit 1) on the Outer Loop and at MD 151/North Point Boulevard (Exit 42) on the Inner Loop. For more information visit mdta.maryland.gov/HarborCrossings. In late 2024, the northbound I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) extension opened to Mountain Road (MD 152). Visit mdta.maryland.gov/TollRatesTables for ETL toll rate information. As a reminder, highway work zones in our region may feature no shoulders and/or narrow lanes, making safety paramount. The MDTA implores all motorists to focus, slow down, and stay alert when driving through or near work zones.

BAY BRIDGE TRAVEL

More than 340,000 vehicles will cross the Bay Bridge between Friday, May 23, and Monday, May 26, Memorial Day. Motorists should stay on US 50 on both sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents.

The best times to travel across the Bay Bridge this holiday period include:

Eastbound
- Thursday, May 22 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Friday, May 23 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Saturday, May 24 – before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- Sunday, May 25 – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- Memorial Day Monday, May 26 – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 27 – before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
Westbound
- Thursday, May 22 – before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
- Friday, May 23 – before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 24 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 25 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- Memorial Day Monday, May 26 – before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 27 – before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

For 24/7 real-time Bay Bridge traffic information, call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) or visit Baybridge.com. For real-time updates on major incidents on Maryland toll roads, follow x.com/TheMDTA.

Based on weather and traffic, two-way traffic operations will be implemented to help prevent eastbound delays from becoming gridlock at the Bay Bridge. Two-way operations may be limited based on westbound traffic volumes as bridge officials strive to mitigate delays on both sides of the bridge. Two-way operations are prohibited during bridge wind warnings/restrictions, fog/limited visibility, or times of precipitation and may be prohibited during incidents.

Expect travel delays in both directions – often simultaneously – at the bridge and along the US 50 corridor throughout the entire holiday travel period when traveling during peak hours. This is a result of traffic volume exceeding lane capacity, not two-way operation timing or management.

Lane signals apply to travel lanes BEFORE, ON, and AFTER the bridge, wherever lane signals are present.

RED X: This means the lane is closed. Motorists MUST NOT enter or travel in any lane over which a RED X signal is shown.
YELLOW X: Prepare to vacate the lane beneath the YELLOW X signal and move to a lane with a DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW.
DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW: Motorists can drive in the lane beneath the GREEN ARROW signal.

Police enforcement is ongoing for motorists failing to obey the lane-use control signals on the US 50 approaches and the bridge. Commercial vehicles must travel across the Bay Bridge in the right lane.

SAFETY REMINDERS

Maryland’s Move Over law applies to all stopped vehicles displaying caution signals or warning lights. Slow down if you cannot safely move over into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the stopped vehicle.
Allow for extra time to get to your destination.
Adhere to speed limits. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of a crash.
Avoid distractions when driving. It only takes a second to wreck it.
Look twice for motorcycles. Riders must have a valid motorcycle license and stay updated on motorcycle safety.
Secure your load in vehicles and trailers before traveling. Items that shift, slide, or fall onto the roadway can lead to serious vehicle crashes, especially on roads with no shoulders like bridges and tunnels.
Get your vehicle ready for the road. If your vehicle breaks down and you cannot safely exit the roadway, remain buckled and face forward if it is safe to stay inside. Dial #77 for non-emergency assistance.
Double (side-by-side) separation of lanes where solid-white travel is in the same direction indicates lane changing is prohibited. Changing lanes in tunnels and on bridges can be hazardous, especially with minimal or no shoulders.

The MDTA Police remind drivers that it is NEVER permissible to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs – whether they are illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter medications. Impaired driving endangers your life and the lives of others. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi or ride-share service, or use the Maryland Transit Administration’s public transportation options. Law enforcement officers will remain vigilant and target dangerous driving, seat belt violations, and criminal activity. To report aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911.

Travelers are reminded to pay attention to their surroundings and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. If you see something, say something. If there is an emergency, call MDTA Police Dispatch or dial 911.

MARYLAND TOLL PAYMENT OPTIONS

Tolls in Maryland are collected through E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate, and Video Tolling. E-ZPass is the most cost-effective, saving drivers up to 77% versus the higher rates and saving additional paperwork that comes with Video Tolls. With Pay-By-Plate, tolls are automatically billed to the driver’s registered credit card as they use Maryland toll facilities, with no need for a transponder or pre-paid deposit. Pay-By-Plate rates are the same as former cash rates. Learn more and enroll in E-ZPass or sign up for Pay-By-Plate at driveezmd.com/acct-types/.

If using a rental vehicle, the vehicle information can be added temporarily to an E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate account. Otherwise, be sure to inquire with the rental car company before traveling a route that includes a toll facility. Use the MDTA’s toll rate calculator to plan your driving routes and estimate the cost of tolls based on your vehicle at driveezmd.com/toll-rate-calculator/.

DriveEzMD Customer Service Centers will be closed Saturday, May 24, and Monday, May 26. Visit DriveEzMD.com or go to the App Store or Google Play to download the DriveEzMD mobile app to pay your Video Tolls or manage your E-ZPass and Pay-By-Plate accounts. The automated system at 1-888-321-6824 is available for 24/7 account maintenance or to make payments.