Maryland officials urge safe travel as Memorial Day weekend approaches

MARYLAND — As the Memorial Day holiday signals the start of peak travel season, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is urging motorists to prioritize safety on the roads.

With Maryland’s toll facilities, particularly the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay Bridge), expected to see heavy traffic, the MDTA has provided guidance on the best times to travel to minimize delays.

More than 340,000 vehicles are anticipated to cross the Bay Bridge from Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 26.

To facilitate smoother travel, the MDTA recommends staying on US 50 on both sides of the bridge to keep local roads clear for first responders and residents.

The MDTA has outlined optimal travel times for the Bay Bridge.

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.

Real-time traffic updates for the Bay Bridge can be accessed by calling 1-877-BAYSPAN or visiting Baybridge.com. The MDTA also advises that two-way traffic operations may be implemented to prevent eastbound delays from becoming gridlock, though these operations are subject to weather conditions and traffic volumes.

Safety remains a top priority, with the MDTA reminding drivers to adhere to lane signals and obey the Move Over law, which applies to all stopped vehicles displaying caution signals or warning lights. Motorists are also urged to avoid distractions, adhere to speed limits, and ensure their vehicles are road-ready.

The MDTA Police emphasize the importance of sober driving, stating, “It is NEVER permissible to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs.” Travelers are encouraged to designate a sober driver or use public transportation options.

For toll payments, Maryland offers E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate, and Video Tolling options. Pay-By-Plate automatically bills tolls to a registered credit card without the need for a transponder.

DriveEzMD Customer Service Centers will be closed on Saturday, May 24, and Monday, May 26, but the DriveEzMD mobile app and automated system remain available for account management and payments.