ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Drivers planning to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge this holiday weekend are getting a heads-up from transportation officials on the best and worst times to travel.
The Maryland State Highway Administration says traffic is expected to be typical from Wednesday, July 2, through Friday, July 4. Officials note that Independence Day itself should bring lighter than usual conditions as many people stay off the roads to celebrate.
However, the agency warns that significant delays are likely on Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6. Congestion is expected to peak on U.S. Route 50 approaching the bridge between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
To help keep things moving, the Maryland Department of Transportation is suspending all nonemergency lane closures from July 3 through early Monday morning, July 7. State transportation officials say extra patrols will be in place throughout the weekend to assist with broken-down vehicles and to clear crash scenes quickly.