DELMARVA– Millions of Americans are expected to hit the road for holiday weekend travel this Independence Day, according to the American Automobile Association.
AAA says it will be easiest to hit the road at the following times:
- Wednesday: before noon
- Thursday: before noon
- Friday: before 11 a.m.
- Saturday: after 3 p.m.
- Sunday: before 11 a.m.
AAA says ensuring vehicles are heat-ready is crucial to staying safe on the road. Officials recommend packing an emergency kit in case of a breakdown, but say checking batteries, fluids and tires can help avoid issues.
In Maryland, Chesapeake Bay Bridge officials recommend drivers cross at the following times:
Eastbound
- Wednesday: before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Thursday: before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
- Friday: before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- Saturday: before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- Sunday: before noon and after 7 p.m.
- Monday: before noon and after 7 p.m.
Westbound
- Wednesday: before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Thursday: before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Friday: before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Saturday: before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Sunday: before 9 a.m. and after 11 p.m.
- Monday: before 6 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
Westbound drivers are reminded of MDOT's weekend ramp management program along US 50 on Kent Island, in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Sunday. The program aims to keep drivers from using residential roads to avoid bridge traffic.
On Virginia's Eastern Shore, overnight construction continues on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project. Officials say work will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Fridays, with the speed limit reduced to 45 mph.
VDOT says lane closures throughout the state will be temporarily paused to optimize the holiday weekend traffic flow. An interactive traffic map shows projects in Accomack County expected to pause by noon Thursday.
MDOT and DelDOT also offer interactive maps to give drivers a real-time look at road conditions. Traffic information is always available by phone at 511.
Delaware's Office of Highway Safety is discouraging impaired driving through its Sober Rides program, offering $20 ride-share vouchers. Those will be available at MySoberRides.com at noon Saturday and can be used through 3 a.m. Sunday.
