Annapolis, MD - Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to bring rain and winds to our region later today into the overnight period. In addition, rain chances will be present on Friday afternoon.
Inclement weather may prevent two-way operations (during which one lane of eastbound traffic is directed to the westbound span) at the Bay Bridge today and Friday. Two-way is prohibited during bridge wind warnings/restrictions, fog/limited visibility or times of precipitation. Drivers may experience extensive eastbound delays. Bridge officials will continue to monitor weather conditions and implement two-way operations if possible.
As the storm passes our region, motorists should be prepared for wind warnings, restrictions and the potential for temporary traffic holds at MDTA bridges. Any decision to hold traffic at a toll facility would be based upon current weather at a given facility. The MDTA will make every effort to keep all of its facilities open as long as conditions are deemed safe to do so.
For the most up-to-date information follow MDTA on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA or 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 traffic conditions at the Bay Bridge.
On all MDTA bridges, wind warnings and restrictions would be implemented as outlined below *:
- Wind Warnings (sustained wind speeds of 30-39 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 30 mph over a period of 15 mins) operators of house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds are advised to use caution while traveling across the bridge.
- Limited Wind Restrictions (sustained wind speeds of 40-49 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 40 mph over a period of 15 mins) house trailers, empty box trailers or any vehicle that, in the opinion of law-enforcement personnel, may not safely cross the bridge will be prohibited from traveling the bridge. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.
- Full Wind Restrictions (sustained wind speeds exceeding 50 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 50 mph over a period of 15 mins) only automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy-laden tractor/trailers are permitted to cross the bridge. Tractor-box trailer combinations will not be permitted to cross any bridge if the gross weight is less than 64,000 pounds.
- Traffic Holds/Bridge Closure (sustained wind speeds exceeding 55 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 55 mph over a period of 15 mins) In the event of a sudden increase of sustained wind speeds or wind gusts that could jeopardize life or property, the MDTA may elect to discontinue the movement of all traffic across the bridge.
* When a wind warning, restriction or closure is implemented at the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40), no bicycles are permitted.
Please be aware, we cannot predict what phase of the wind policy a bridge will be in at a particular time of the day. Determinations are NOT made by forecasts, but rather by real-time weather conditions at a given toll facility.
The best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend include:
- Friday – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Saturday – before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- Sunday – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
Motorists should stay on US 50 on BOTH sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
