Over 335,000 cars expected to cross Bay Bridge Memorial Day Weekend

More than 335,000 vehicles are expected to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge between Friday, May 22, and Memorial Day Monday, May 25.

What’s Happening: The holiday weekend marks the start of peak travel season on Maryland’s toll roads. Drivers heading to and from the Eastern Shore should expect delays in both directions throughout the weekend.

Best times to cross eastbound:

• Thursday, May 21: before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Friday, May 22: before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23: before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• Sunday, May 24: before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Memorial Day Monday, May 25: before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 26: before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

Best times to cross westbound:

• Thursday, May 21: before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Friday, May 22: before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23: before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Sunday, May 24: before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Memorial Day Monday, May 25: before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 26: before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

What’s Important: Delays are caused by traffic volume exceeding lane capacity, not by how the bridge is managed. Two-way traffic operations may be used to ease eastbound backups when conditions allow, but are prohibited during wind warnings, fog, limited visibility, rain, or active incidents.

How This Affects Real People: Drivers who miss the recommended windows should expect significant delays on the bridge and along the Route 50 corridor. The Maryland Transportation Authority is asking motorists to stay on Route 50 on both sides of the bridge to keep local roads clear for residents and first responders.

Baltimore-area drivers: The southeast section of I-695 is closed at Route 173 on the Outer Loop and at Broening Highway on the Inner Loop. The I-95 Express Toll Lanes are an option for travel between Baltimore and Harford counties, with northbound lanes running to Mountain Road.

Lane signals: Overhead signals control travel lanes before, on, and after the bridge. A red X means the lane is closed. A yellow X means drivers must move out of that lane. A green arrow means the lane is open. Police are actively enforcing lane-use rules on the bridge and its approaches.

How to pay tolls: Maryland collects tolls through E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate, and video tolling. E-ZPass saves drivers up to 77% compared to video toll rates. Pay-By-Plate bills tolls automatically to a registered credit card at the same rate as the old cash price. Rental car drivers can temporarily add a vehicle to an E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate account. DriveEzMD customer service centers will be closed Saturday, May 23, and Monday, May 25. The automated phone line at 1-888-321-6824 is available around the clock.

Safety: Maryland law requires drivers to move over for any stopped vehicle displaying caution signals or warning lights. If a vehicle breaks down and cannot exit the road, stay inside and call #77. For emergencies, call 911. To report aggressive driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911. For 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic information, visit Baybridge.com or call 1-877-229-7726.