THANKSGIVING TRAVEL ON MARYLAND TOLL ROADS
Plan early, travel easy!
Thanksgiving week remains one of the busiest travel times of the year. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) offers drivers suggested drive times for Maryland toll facilities and reminders to ease into the holiday season. MDTA is serious about everyone’s safety and committed to helping all travelers arrive safely at their destination. Plan, pack your patience, and think safety first.
In Baltimore, the southeast section of I-695 remains closed at MD 173 (Exit 1) on the Outer Loop and at MD 151/North Point Boulevard (Exit 42) on the Inner Loop. For more information, visit https://mdta.maryland.gov/HarborCrossings. Drivers may consider the I-95 Express Toll Lanes in their travels between Baltimore and Harford counties, which features northbound lanes to Mountain Road (MD 152). Toll rates can be found at https://mdta.maryland.gov/TollRatesTables.
Motorists may encounter highway work zones. Safety remains paramount in highway work zones, which often have limited shoulders, narrow lanes, or other potential hazards. When traveling through or near these areas, reduce your speed, stay alert, and follow all posted signs and signals.
The MDTA provides the following suggested travel times for its major routes during the holiday period.
RECOMMENDED TIMES TO DRIVE
Bay Bridge travel times to avoid the most congested periods are:
- Tuesday, November 25 – before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m.;
- Wednesday, November 26 – before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m.;
- Thursday, November 27 – before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.;
- Friday, November 28 – before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.;
- Saturday, November 29 – before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.; and
- Sunday, November 30 – before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Weather and traffic permitting, two-way operations will be implemented to help ease eastbound delays at the Bay Bridge. Two-way operations may be limited based on westbound traffic volumes, as bridge officials strive to mitigate delays on both sides of the bridge. Two-way operations are prohibited during bridge wind warnings/restrictions, fog/limited visibility, or times of precipitation, and may be prohibited during incidents.
For 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic information, call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) or visit Baybridge.com.
I-95 (JFK Memorial Highway and Fort McHenry Tunnel) best times to travel include:
- Tuesday, November 25 – before noon and after 10 p.m.;
- Wednesday, November 26 – before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m.;
- Thursday, November 27 – before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m.;
- Friday, November 28 – before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.;
- Saturday, November 29– before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.; and
- Sunday, November 30 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
The I-95 travel plazas – Chesapeake House in Cecil County at mile marker 97 and Maryland House in Harford County at mile marker 82 – are open 24/7 with food, indoor/outdoor seating, fuel, and electric vehicle charging stations available. It Can Wait! Rest areas are designated as safe zones for texts.
Nice/Middleton Bridge (US 301) suggested drive 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.
HOW TO PAY TOLLS IN MARYLAND
Tolls in Maryland are collected through E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate, and Video Tolling. E-ZPass is the most cost-effective, saving drivers up to 77% compared to the higher rates and reducing the paperwork that comes with Video Tolls. With Pay-By-Plate, tolls are automatically billed to the driver’s registered credit card as they use Maryland toll facilities, with no need for a transponder or pre-paid deposit. Pay-By-Plate rates are the same as the former cash rates. Learn more and enroll in E-ZPass or sign up for Pay-By-Plate at https://www.driveezmd.com/acct-types/.
If using a rental vehicle over the holiday, vehicle information can be added temporarily to an E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate account. Otherwise, be sure to inquire with the rental car company before traveling a route that includes a toll facility. Use the MDTA’s toll rate calculator to plan your driving routes and estimate the cost of tolls based on your vehicle at https://driveezmd.com/toll-rate-calculator/.
DriveEzMD Customer Service Centers will be closed on Thursday, November 27. Visit DriveEzMD.com or go to the mobile App or Google Play Store to download the DriveEzMD app. The automated system at 1-888-321-6824 is available 24/7 for account maintenance or payments.
SAFETY REMINDERS
Drivers should allow extra time to get to their destinations. Speeding equals less time to react and increases the severity of a crash. To minimize distractions while driving, always set up your GPS before you start your trip when you need directions. Driving while distracted is extremely dangerous for you, your passengers, and other roadway users. In Maryland, motorists must Move Over for all stopped vehicles displaying any caution signals or warning lights when approaching from the rear. Slow down if you cannot safely move over into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the stopped vehicle.
The MDTA Police and Emergency Response Units will have additional patrols on duty to respond quickly to incidents and disabled vehicles during the holiday period. If your vehicle breaks down, exit the roadway. If that isn’t possible, remain inside your vehicle and call #77 for assistance. For emergencies, please dial 911.
The MDTA Police remind drivers that it is never acceptable to drive while impaired by alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or illegal substances. Impaired driving endangers your life and others. During the holidays, law enforcement officers will remain vigilant and target dangerous driving, seat belt violations, and criminal activity. To report aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911.
Travelers also are reminded to pay attention to their surroundings and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. If you see something, say something. If there is an emergency, call MDTA Police Dispatch or dial 911.
For real-time updates on major incidents on Maryland toll roads, follow us on X at https://x.com/TheMDTA.
The MDTA wishes everyone safe travels this holiday season.
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