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By CBS Baltimore Staff
Filed Under:Bay Bridge Traffic, Maryland News, Memorial Day Weekend, Traffic

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) — Headed to the beach Friday? Pack your patience.

Miles-long delays are reported along U.S. 50 eastbound Friday before the Bay Bridge. As of 5 p.m., traffic is backed up about 3.5 miles, officials said.

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two-way traffic is now in effect, the Maryland Department of Transportation said. Officials are urging travelers to leave early or stay late throughout the weekend to ease congestion.

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The Maryland Department of Transportation estimates that the best time to head to the beach on Saturday is before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

On Sunday, the best time for travel is before 11 a.m. and after 9 p.m., the state agency said in a social media post.

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The MDTA offers the following travel tips for this holiday weekend and throughout the summer months:

  • Travel off-peak when heading to and from the Eastern Shore.
  • The best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend include:
    • Thursday, May 26 – before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
    • Friday, May 27 – before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
    • Saturday, May 28 – before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
    • Sunday, May 29 – before 11 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
    • Memorial Day Monday, May 30 – before 9 a.m. and after 11 p.m.\
  • To sign up for email/text alerts or view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov.
  • Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions or visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras.

CBS Baltimore Staff