Best Times To Cross On July 4 Weekend, 2020

Torri Donley

ANNAPOLIS, MD — If you want to beat the traffic on the Bay Bridge this July 4 weekend, you’ll have to get up with the morning birds or drive with the night owls. Every Marylander knows that if you wait too long, you could get caught in beach traffic for […]

ANNAPOLIS, MD — If you want to beat the traffic on the Bay Bridge this July 4 weekend, you’ll have to get up with the morning birds or drive with the night owls. Every Marylander knows that if you wait too long, you could get caught in beach traffic for miles. The Maryland Transportation Authority is warning people to drive off hours if they don’t want to chance the traffic.

The best times to cross the Bay Bridge this Independence Day weekend are:

  • Friday, July 3 – Before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

  • Saturday, July 4 – Before 6 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

  • Sunday, July 5 – Before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

  • Monday, July 6 – Before 6 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

What’s Open, Restrictions In Ocean City

If you plan to visit Ocean City, be aware that there are coronavirus restrictions in place. Social distancing is mandatory, so keep 6 feet between other visitors. And masks should be worn when entering public facilities, including restrooms.

Masks are not required outdoors, but all customers age 9 and older must wear face coverings while inside the enclosed area of any retailer or food service establishment.

City officials ask visitors to keep gatherings to small groups and follows these guidelines:

  • Wear masks in public as a precaution where you see fit

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash

Visit ococean.com/covid-19-faqs for more information.

Ocean City’s Fourth of July fireworks and concerts have been postponed; a new date has not yet been announced. But the beach, boardwalk, casinos, and outdoor amusements are open.

Restaurants, pools and shops are open but limited to 50 percent capacity.

Here’s how to check on traffic and delays:

  • Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions. This number is currently providing out-of-date information. Any pressing travel updates will be posted on the MDTA’s Twitter.

  • Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.

  • Follow the MDTA on social media at TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA.

  • Ease your travel with E-ZPass. Visit ezpassmd.com to enroll online and for a list of E-ZPass “On the Go” retail locations.

  • Know Before You Go – To view traffic cameras on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information. When you call 511, just say “Reach the Beach.” The free phone call can eliminate some of the hassle of your road trip.

  • To sign up for email/text alerts or view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov.

Highway officials also shared safe driving reminder for the holiday weekend:

  • Put the cell phone down – it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.

  • Buckle Up! Every Trip. Every Seat. Every Time.

  • Move over when approaching an emergency, transportation, service and utility vehicle or tow truck with red, yellow or amber flashing lights. If you are unable to move over, slow down.

  • Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.

  • Avoid changing lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.

  • Turn your headlights on. They are required at all times on the Bay Bridge. Keep your eyes on the road – do not sight-see.

  • Do not tailgate – keep a safe following distance.

  • Make sure your vehicle is “road ready.” If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.

When contacting a dispatch center, drivers should be prepared to provide:

  • The location of the emergency

  • A call-back telephone number and

  • Details of the incident/disabled vehicle or other circumstances.

Have a story idea? Please contact me at [email protected] with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County news.

This article originally appeared on the Annapolis Patch

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