QUEENSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Drivers leaving Maryland’s Eastern Shore ahead of Hurricane Sandy are finding a backup before they reach the Bay Bridge.

A construction project on U.S. 50 over Route 301 in Queenstown has narrowed the eastbound route to one lane. So, there’s about a 3.5-mile backup Sunday afternoon on U.S. 50 near the outlet shopping center.

State Highway Administration spokesman David Buck says there are several detours, and overhead and temporary signs are posted as far east as Ocean City with those directions.

Buck urged people who are planning to head west to do so in the next several hours, before winds increase. If traffic is restricted or barred from crossing the Bay Bridge, detours will be up through Delaware, which is also expected to be hit hard by the storm.

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