Spring of 2018 Travel Tips

The MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) offers the following travel tips for the spring months: 

Don’t Wing It. Plan Ahead! 

• For real-time updates on major incidents follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA.  Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA.
•       Visit mdta.maryland.gov to sign up for NEW email/text alerts.
•       View traffic cameras on MDTA roadways at mdta.maryland.gov.  Click on “Traffic Cameras.”  Call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information. 
•       Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions or visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras.
•       Stop Waiting. Start Saving.  with E-ZPass Maryland. Visit ezpassmd.com to enroll online and for a list of E-ZPass Maryland “On the Go” retail locations.
•       Motorists pay the lowest tolls with E-ZPass Maryland.                                
•       For all toll rates, use our online Toll Rate Calculator.
•       Consider the Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 and the I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) in Baltimore in your travels.
•       Hungry?  Need to rest, fuel up or charge your vehicle?  Stop by the Maryland or Chesapeake House travel plazas along I-95 in northeast Maryland.

Weather permitting, the MDTA will implement two-way traffic operations to help alleviate eastbound delays on the Bay Bridge.   

Please use caution, reduce speeds and increase following distances when traveling on wet roads.  Turn on your lights to increase your visibility.  Kindly remember our toll collectors and turn off wipers when paying your toll.

Seasonal Tips:

• Precipitation along with the winter freeze-thaw cycle produces potholes.  As crews continue the repair process statewide, please use caution and slow down if you encounter a pothole in your travels.

Report a pothole on a Maryland toll facility road at: mdta@mdta.maryland.gov

• Icy conditions may still be present during overnight and morning periods.
• Always be alert for motorcycles, as they can be hard to spot.
• Watch out for increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
• Spring is an active season for wildlife.  Stay alert for animals on the move.
• When driving in fog, motorists should use low-beam headlights since the high- beam setting creates glare and reduces visibility.

Reminder: Bicyclists are allowed to cross the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) from dawn to dusk Saturday, Sunday and state holidays only and during pre-arranged special events.

For your safety and the safety of other motorists and emergency personnel:

• Slow down in work zones.  Lives are on the line.  Expect the unexpected.
• It Can Wait – it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
• State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck using visual signals.  If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• Do not change lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.
• If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.
• When contacting a dispatch center, motorists should be prepared to provide:
  
  • The location of the emergency;
  • A call-back telephone number; and
  • Details of the incident/disabled vehicle or other circumstances.
• Buckle Up!  Every Seat.  Every Time.
• Headlights are required at all times on the Bay Bridge.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-use control signals.
• Save the tailgating for the stadium - keep a safe following distance.
• Avoid distractions - keep your eyes on the road. 
• Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

On all MDTA bridges, wind warnings and restrictions would be implemented as outlined below*:

• Wind Warnings (sustained wind speeds of 30-39 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 30 mph over a period of 15 mins) operators of house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds are advised to use caution while traveling across the bridge.
• Limited Wind Restrictions (sustained wind speeds of 40-49 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 40 mph over a period of 15 mins) house trailers, empty box trailers or any vehicle that, in the opinion of law-enforcement personnel, may not safely cross the bridge will be prohibited from traveling the bridge. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.
• Full Wind Restrictions (sustained wind speeds exceeding 50 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 50 mph over a period of 15 mins) only automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy-laden tractor/trailers are permitted to cross the bridge. Tractor-box trailer combinations will not be permitted to cross any bridge if the gross weight is less than 64,000 pounds.
• Traffic Holds/Bridge Closure (sustained wind speeds exceeding 55 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 55 mph over a period of 15 mins) In the event of a sudden increase of sustained wind speeds or wind gusts that could jeopardize life or property, the MDTA may elect to discontinue the movement of all traffic across the bridge.

* When a wind warning, restriction or closure is implemented at the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40), no bicycles are permitted.

The MDTA thanks motorists for partnering with us.  Stay Alert So No One Gets Hurt!