DriveEz ACROSS MARYLAND THIS MEMORIAL DAY
Prioritize Safety First, Second and Third
Travel Off-Peak to Avoid Delays
BALTIMORE, MD (May 24, 2021) – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is urging motorists to help protect themselves, their families and other travelers during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday by placing safety at the top of their trip checklist. The MDTA also encourages drivers to plan ahead and travel off-peak to avoid delays, particularly when crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Motorists should expect delays at the Bay Bridge and along the US 50 corridor during this holiday weekend. Heavier eastbound traffic volumes should be expected Thursday through Saturday, May 27-29, with heavier westbound traffic volumes expected to build Sunday and Monday, May 30-31. Motorists should stay on US 50 on BOTH sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents.
Travel off-peak when heading to and from the Eastern Shore. The best times to travel the Bay Bridge this holiday period include:
- Thursday, May 27 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Friday, May 28 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Saturday, May 29 – before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 30 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Memorial Day Monday, May 31 – before 8 a.m. and after 11 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. As a reminder, two-way is prohibited during bridge wind warnings/restrictions, fog or times of precipitation.
For 24/7 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 us on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA.
Put safety first, second and third in any travel plans.
- Devote your full attention to driving and maintain a safe following distance.
- State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency, transportation, service and utility vehicle or tow truck with red, yellow or amber flashing lights. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
- 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.
- Make sure your vehicle is road ready. A breakdown can create a backup within seconds. If your vehicle breaks down, exit the roadway or, if that isn’t possible, remain inside your vehicle and call #77 for assistance.
The MDTA Police will remain vigilant and target dangerous drivers, seat belt violations and criminal activity throughout the holiday travel period. We remind drivers that every crash, injury and death caused by impaired driving is completely preventable. To report aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911.
Traveling along I-95 in northeast Maryland? Stop by the Maryland House (mile marker 82) or Chesapeake House (mile marker 97) travel plazas for food, rest or Wi-Fi access. Indoor and outdoor seating is available at the travel plazas. While face coverings are no longer required within state owned or leased buildings for employees or visitors, they are still recommended for those who are unvaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, all visitors may continue to wear a face covering if they desire.
All-electronic (cashless) tolling is permanent statewide. Tolls are collected through
E-ZPass, Video Tolling and the newest way to pay for Maryland tolls, Pay-By-Plate. 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 toll deposit.
E-ZPass remains the most cost-effective way to travel toll roads in Maryland, saving drivers up to 77% versus the higher rates and additional paperwork that come with Video Tolls. Enroll in E-ZPass or sign up for Pay-By-Plate today at DriveEzMD.com. We’ll Keep You Moving!
DriveEzMD Customer Service Centers will be closed Monday, May 31. Visit DriveEzMD.com or use the automated system at 1-888-321-6824 for 24/7 account maintenance or to make payments.
Sign up for email/text alerts at https://bit.ly/2Dh9EZn. Find us at facebook.com/TheMDTA. The MDTA thanks all roadway users for their continued partnership with us to help keep travels safe.