BALTIMORE, Md. – Maryland transportation officials are laying out a comprehensive Thanksgiving travel plan for drivers using the state’s toll roads, combining congestion forecasts, detour information, toll guidance, work zone expectations, and holiday safety measures into a single statewide advisory.
With Thanksgiving week expected to generate some of the heaviest traffic of the year, the Maryland Transportation Authority published a detailed outlook for each of its major toll facilities. The agency identified the specific hours when motorists historically encounter the heaviest delays and listed the windows when traffic is typically lighter.
For travelers crossing the Bay Bridge, the lightest traffic is generally expected Tuesday before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m., Wednesday before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m., Thursday before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m., Friday before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m., Saturday before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m., and Sunday before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m. Similar drive-time guidance was issued for I 95 at the JFK Memorial Highway and Fort McHenry Tunnel, and for the Nice Middleton Bridge, with separate sets of recommended hours for each day of the holiday period.
Officials noted that the southeast section of I-695 in Baltimore remains closed, forcing detours at MD-173 on the Outer Loop and MD-151 on the Inner Loop. Drivers moving between Baltimore and Harford counties may use the northbound I-95 Express Toll Lanes as an alternative. The agency also said that two way operations may be used on the Bay Bridge to manage heavy eastbound traffic, but those operations will be suspended during adverse weather, limited visibility, precipitation, or significant westbound congestion.
Throughout the week, motorists may encounter active work zones along several state routes. Narrow lanes, reduced shoulders, and shifting patterns are expected in construction areas, and drivers are urged to reduce speed and follow posted instructions. MDTA Police and emergency response units will increase patrols and respond to disabled vehicles and roadway incidents. Motorists may call #77 for roadway assistance or 911 for emergencies. Drivers are also reminded of Maryland’s Move Over law and warned not to operate a vehicle while impaired.
The advisory also includes toll payment information. E ZPass offers the lowest rates, with savings up to 77 percent compared to other payment methods. Pay By Plate charges tolls automatically to a registered credit card and matches former cash rates. Video Tolling remains available but carries higher fees. Travelers using rental vehicles may temporarily add license plate information to a toll account. Customer service centers will close November 27, though online and automated phone services remain accessible. Chesapeake House and Maryland House travel plazas on I-95 will remain open with food service, indoor and outdoor seating, fuel, and electric vehicle charging stations. Travelers may use the MDTA toll calculator to estimate costs and visit DriveEzMD.com for account information. Real time traffic updates are available on X at @TheMDTA and through the Bay Bridge information line at 1-877-BAYSPAN.
