When to Travel on Labor Day Weekend in Maryland

Approximately 1.8 million drivers will pass through Maryland’s toll facilities this Labor Day weekend—an increase of 2 percent over last year—according to the Maryland Transportation Authority, which oversees the tolls.

The trend fits with national projections that travel will spike this holiday weekend. According to AAA Travel, 34.7 million Americans will venture at least 50 miles over Labor Day weekend, the highest number since 2008. Of those, approximately 29.7 million will take automobiles, AAA says.

Given the sheer number of travelers, the Maryland Transportation Authority suggested the following travel times for those heading to and from beaches on the Bay Bridge:

• Thursday—before noon and after 10 p.m.
• 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.
• Monday—before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

The Maryland Transportation Authority projected that nearly 350,000 drivers would travel across the Bay Bridge this weekend; more than 450,000 will take the Fort McHenry Tunnel; more than 450,000 will cross the Tydings Bridge; and a combined total of nearly 575,000 will take the Key Bridge, Harbor Tunnel, Hatem Bridge and Nice Bridge. Numbers include traffic in both directions, according to the authority.

For those who need to stop along the way on Interstate 95, both the Chesapeake and Maryland House are open as rest stops on I-95 in Cecil and Harford counties.

For people taking I-95 north past Baltimore City, there are a few things to note:

• A work zone is in place south of the Fort McHenry Tunnel, where speed zone enforcement will be in effect.
• The lanes are split with three lanes to the left and one lane to the right on I-95 north.
• Those who want to take the Russell Street exit past Caton Avenue must be in the right lane where the lanes split; left lanes cannot get to Russell Street.
• The Hanover Street exit on I-95 north is closed until mid-September and a detour is in place.
• Due to the work zone and lane shifts, officials recommend taking I-895/Harbor Tunnel or the Francis Scott Key Bridge/I-695 if drivers are heading north or south of the city.

No matter where they go, drivers are encouraged to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles; stay in one lane through bridges and tunnels; and pay attention, putting the cell phone in the back seat or out of reach so as not to be distracted.

From Aug. 31 to Sept. 6, Maryland Transportation Authority officers will target aggressive driving. Officers will also be on the lookout to make sure people are wearing seatbelts, have children properly restrained and are not engaging in criminal activity.

Photo Credit: CHART. A work zone is in place on Interstate 95 north between Caton Avenue and and the Fort McHenry Tunnel.