Holiday Travel Advisory: MDTA Urges Early Planning for Thanksgiving Week Congestion

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is advising motorists to plan ahead for increased traffic volumes during the upcoming Thanksgiving week, a period traditionally marked by heavy travel across the state’s toll facilities. The authority aims to enhance traveler safety and provide guidance for smoother journeys by offering recommended travel times for key routes, including the Bay Bridge, I-95, and the Nice/Middleton Bridge.

To mitigate congestion on the Bay Bridge, the MDTA suggests specific times for eastbound travel. Drivers are advised to cross before 1 p.m. or after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25. On Wednesday, November 26, the optimal times are before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Travelers on Thursday, November 27, should aim for before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. For Friday, November 28, early morning travel before 9 a.m. or later in the evening after 6 p.m. is recommended. Weekend travel on Saturday, November 29, suggests departing before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m., while Sunday, November 30, encourages travel before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. The MDTA also noted that two-way operations may be implemented for eastbound traffic to alleviate delays, weather and traffic conditions permitting, though this could be impacted by westbound traffic volumes and adverse weather. For immediate Bay Bridge traffic updates, travelers can call 1-877-BAYSPAN or visit Baybridge.com.

Recommended travel times for I-95, encompassing the JFK Memorial Highway and Fort McHenry Tunnel, are also provided. On Tuesday, November 25, drivers are advised to travel before noon or after 10 p.m. For Wednesday, November 26, aiming for before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. is suggested. On Thursday, November 27, the best windows are before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Friday, November 28, recommends travel before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Weekend travelers on Saturday, November 29, can expect fewer delays before 8 a.m. or after 10 p.m., with similar timing recommendations for Sunday, November 30. The I-95 travel plazas, Chesapeake House and Maryland House, will remain open 24/7, offering amenities such as food, seating, fuel, and electric vehicle charging stations. Motorists are reminded that rest areas are designated safe zones for texting.

For the Nice/Middleton Bridge (US 301), suggested travel times include Wednesday, November 26, before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., and Sunday, November 30, before noon and after 6 p.m.

Regarding toll payment methods, the MDTA highlights E-ZPass as the most cost-effective option, offering significant savings compared to other methods. Pay-By-Plate is another option, allowing for automatic toll billing to a registered credit card without the need for a transponder. Pay-By-Plate rates are equivalent to the former cash rates. Information on enrolling in E-ZPass or signing up for Pay-By-Plate can be found at http://www.driveezmd.com. Drivers using rental vehicles should confirm toll payment arrangements with their rental company or temporarily add vehicle information to their E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate account. A toll rate calculator is available on driveezmd.com to estimate travel costs. The DriveEzMD Customer Service Centers will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, but 24/7 automated assistance is available at 1-888-321-6824, and the DriveEzMD app can be downloaded from app stores.

In addition to travel times, the MDTA emphasized the importance of safety. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time, reduce speed in work zones, and remain alert to potential hazards such as limited shoulders and narrow lanes. Distracted driving is a significant concern, and drivers are reminded to set up GPS navigation before starting their journey. Maryland law requires motorists to move over for all stopped vehicles displaying caution signals or warning lights. In cases of vehicle breakdown, drivers should exit the roadway if possible or remain inside their vehicle and call #77 for assistance. For emergencies, 911 should be dialed. The MDTA Police will increase patrols to ensure prompt response to incidents and disabled vehicles. Drivers are also strongly reminded against impaired driving, and law enforcement will be vigilant in targeting this and other dangerous driving behaviors, including seat belt violations. To report aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, motorists can contact MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911. Finally, travelers are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Real-time updates on major incidents on Maryland toll roads can be found by following @TheMDTA on X.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Transportation Authority.

Video Spotlight