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Stay Informed

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Spring of 2016 Travel Tips

Submitted by Tamory Winfield on

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.
  • Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions.
  • Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.
  • Know Before You Go - View live traffic on MDTA roadways by clicking "Traffic Cameras." Call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information. Check "Traffic Advisories" for MDTA scheduled construction and maintenance projects.
  • Get there faster with E-ZPass. Visit ezpassmd.com to enroll on-line and for a list of E-ZPass "On the Go" retail locations.
  • For all toll rates, use our online Toll Rate Calculator.
  • I-95 Now Has a Shortcut - I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) between White Marsh and I-895 in Baltimore.
  • Hungry? Need to rest or fuel up? 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 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 statewide continue the repair process, please use caution and slow down if you encounter a pothole in your travels. Report a pothole on a Maryland toll facility road at: [email protected]
  • 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.

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.
  • If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.
  • It can wait - it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
  • State law requires that every passenger in a moving vehicle be secured with a seat belt or child safety restraint.
  • 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.
  • Pay attention to lane markings and rumble strips on the Bay Bridge's westbound span. Lane changes between the westbound left and center lanes are prohibited for the entire span, whether or not two-way operations are in effect.
  • Headlights are required at all times on the Bay Bridge.
  • Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-use control signals.
  • Do not tailgate - keep a safe following distance.
  • Avoid distractions - keep your eyes on the road.

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

MDTA Bridge Wind Warnings and Restrictions

The MDTA thanks motorists for their patience.

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Public Calendar

Oct 20

Public Event 10 20

6:30 PM

Point Breeze

Serious About Safety: CHART’s Role in Keeping Maryland Moving

This month’s Serious About Safety feature highlights the Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (CHART) and the work its teams do every day to help keep Maryland’s roadways safe.

CHART Emergency Response Technicians respond to crashes, disabled vehicles, roadway hazards, and other incidents, often while working alongside fast-moving traffic. Their jobs come with risks, which is why it is important for drivers to slow down and give roadside responders the space they need to work safely.


In this month’s video, Brian Knott, an Emergency Response Technician with CHART at the State Highway Administration, shares more about his role, the safety challenges CHART teams face, and what drivers can do to help protect roadside workers. The feature also highlights Maryland’s Move Over law. When approaching a stopped emergency, service, or maintenance vehicle with its warning lights activated, drivers are required to move over when it is safe to do so. If moving over is not possible, drivers must slow down and proceed with caution.

Watch Brian’s video below to learn more about CHART and the importance of the Move Over law.

Want to learn more about CHART operations? Hear additional insight from the CHART Field Training & Certification Manager and Division Chief of Regional Operations on the Serious About Safety Hub page.

Oct 24

BARCStober Fest

10:00 AM

Patterson Park
2601 E Baltimore St,
Baltimore, MD 21224

Bring your furry friend and stop by the DriveEzMD booth at BARCStober Fest for tail-wagging treats, family-friendly fun, and helpful info on making travel across Maryland a breeze.

Oct 24

Journey at CFG Bank Arena

6:00 PM

CFG Bank Arena
201 W Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Come say hi! Stop by the DriveEzMD Outreach table before or after the event to grab some fun giveaways, chat with our team, and learn how E-ZPass can help make your travels around Maryland easier and more convenient.