BALTIMORE, MD -- The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) anticipates more than 1.8 million vehicles will travel its facilities this holiday weekend and reminds motorists they hold the key to avoiding delays and congestion.
From Friday, May 25, through Monday, May 28, Authority officials expect the following number of vehicles to travel its facilities: - William Preston Lane, Jr., Memorial (Bay) Bridge (US 50/301) – more than 350,000 (3% increase over 2006).
- Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95, I-395) – more than 465,000 (1.5% increase).
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95) – more than 457,000(2% increase).
An additional 550,000 vehicles will travel the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695), the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895), the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) and the Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US 301) combined.
“We encourage the millions of motorists hitting the roads this weekend to drive during off-peak traffic hours,” said Authority Executive Secretary Ronald L. Freeland. “Planning ahead is key to avoiding congestion and enjoying a safe and easy trip.”
The Authority offers the following tips to help drivers plan their travel this weekend and throughout the summer months: - To avoid significant delays, travel off-peak and Explore the Shore! when heading to and from Ocean City. The best times to travel the Bay Bridge include:
- Friday – before noon and after 10 p.m.
- Saturday – before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- Sunday – before 11 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Memorial Day Monday – before 11 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Don’t Wing It. Plan Ahead!
- Call 1-877-BAYSPAN 24/7 for current traffic conditions at the Bay Bridge.
- Visit the new baybridge.com to view live traffic cameras at the Bay Bridge and to sign up for traffic alerts.
Ease your travel with E-ZPass®. Visit ezpassmd.com to enroll on-line and for a complete list of E-ZPass “On the Go” retail locations. Keep Your Cool and Pace Your Space: Keep a safe following distance to avoid rear-end collisions. Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals. Do not change lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels. Stay alert, especially in areas with limited or no shoulder space and during inclement weather. Make sure your vehicle is “road ready”-- just one disabled vehicle can cause extensive backups.
The Authority is committed to convenient and safe travel and will lift all construction-related lane closures at its toll facilities from Friday, May 25, at noon to Tuesday, May 29, at 7 a.m.
The Maryland Transportation Authority Police will increase patrols during the holiday weekend. Officers remain vigilant in targeting aggressive and impaired drivers, seatbelt violators and criminal activity.
Transportation Authority is an independent State agency that finances, owns and operates the State’s seven toll facilities. The Authority’s eight Members, appointed by the Governor with consent of the State Senate, serve as the agency’s policy-setting and governing body. Maryland's Secretary of Transportation serves as Authority Chairman.
Contact:
Cheryl Sparks
410-537-1017 |
