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The Talbot PatriotEaston, MarylandMD

State & Region

MDTA Had Projected More Than 345,000 Bay Bridge Crossings Through Labor Day

The Aug. 31 advisory framed Friday, Sept. 4, through Monday, Sept. 7; Sunday windows were early morning or after 5 p.m.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans from the Eastern Shore approach
AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans from the Eastern Shore approach.

EASTON, MARYLAND — MDTA’s Aug. 31, 2026 advisory had projected more than 345,000 Bay Bridge crossings from Friday, Sept. 4, through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7; recommended Sunday, Sept. 6, windows were eastbound before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m., and westbound before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m.

Labor Day Monday’s recommended windows in that advisory were eastbound all day and westbound before 10 a.m. or after 10 p.m. MDTA told motorists to stay on U.S. 50 on both sides of the bridge so local roads stay open for first responders and residents.

Weather and traffic permitting, bridge crews could run two-way operations to cut eastbound backups. Two-way ops were off during wind warnings or restrictions, fog or limited visibility, precipitation, and some incidents. MDTA said the main congestion driver is demand exceeding lane capacity — not two-way timing itself. Delays both ways, often at once, were expected on the bridge and along the U.S. 50 corridor at peak hours.

Lane-use signals apply before, on, and after the bridge where they are posted. Ignoring them is a traffic violation; police enforce on the approaches and the span. Commercial vehicles must use the right lane.

For 24/7 bridge conditions: Baybridge.com or 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726). Tolling is all-electronic: E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate, or Video Tolling. MDTA says E-ZPass remains the cheapest option, with savings up to 77% versus higher rates. DriveEzMD customer service centers were closed Saturday, Sept. 5, and Monday, Sept. 7; the automated line at 1-888-321-6824 runs around the clock.

Source: MDTA via EIN Presswire

Drawn from public records; drafted with AI and edited by Peter Gorman before publication.

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