20-05-2025
Thousands of Marylanders expected to drive for Memorial Day weekend, MDOT says
MARYLAND () — As thousands of Marylanders get ready to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, officials are urging drivers to stay alert and drive safely.
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), thousands of residents are expected to travel more than 50 miles away from home during the holiday weekend. This means that traffic could be heavy toward the Eastern Shore beaches on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and on Monday, Memorial Day.
According to AAA, 45.1 million people will travel for the holiday weekend. This is a 1.4 million increase in travelers compared to 2024. The company added that most travelers will drive, while 3.6 million plan to fly. The rest will reach their destinations by train, bus or boat, according to AAA.
Memorial Day celebrations in DC, Maryland, Virginia
'Summertime is when many Marylanders explore our state's beauty and create life-long memories,' said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. 'Historically, the summer months are also when we see an increase in deadly crashes across the state. Help us save lives this summer. I urge everyone to join the Department in being Serious About Safety and practicing safe driving – buckle up, slow down, pay attention and drive sober. Together we can bend the curve on roadway fatalities and work towards Maryland's goal of zero deaths.'
The department noted that in 2024, more than 575 people lost their lives on roads across Maryland. So far this year, there have already been 150 deaths.
MDOT encourages Marylanders to stay focused, slow down, drive sober, move over for any stopped cars and to stay prepared.
During the holiday weekend, all major lane closures for non-emergency roadwork will be suspended from 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27.
All Marylanders planning to fly from the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport should arrive for their flights early to allow time for check-in and security checkpoints.
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MDOT said over 340,000 vehicles will cross the Bay Bridge between Friday and Monday. All drivers should stay on US 50 on both sides of the bridge to keep local roads open for first responders and residents.
The department added that all drivers can expect delays in both directions at the Bay Bridge and along US 50 when traveling through peak hours.
MDOT said the best time to travel across the Bay Bridge during the holiday include:
Eastbound
Thursday, May 22 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
Friday, May 23 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
Saturday, May 24 – before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 25 – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Memorial Day Monday, May 26 – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Tuesday, May 27 – before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
Westbound
Thursday, May 22 – before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
Friday, May 23 – before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 24 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 25 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Memorial Day Monday, May 26 – before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
Tuesday, May 27 – before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Yes.
On Monday, May 24, the Maryland Transit Administration will run, but on a modified schedule.
All CityLink and LocalLink buses, Light RailLink and MetroSubway will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule. The Commuter Bus will operate Bus Route 201 on a Weekend/Holiday 'S' schedule.
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