Chesapeake Bay Bridge is operating under Phase III Wind Restrictions

Chesapeake Bay Bridge is operating under Phase III Wind Restrictions due to sustained winds of more than 50 mph and wind gusts of 53 mph as of 4 p.m. Saturday.

Only automobiles, pickups trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy laden tractor trailers are permitted to cross the bridge. Tractor-box trailers weighing less than 64,000 pounds will not be permitted to cross. When sustained wind speeds reach 55 mph, the Bay Bridge will be closed.

Wind warnings were implemented at the Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US 301) and Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) due to sustained wind speeds of 30 - 32 mph and gusts to 36 mph. Operators of house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds are advised to use caution while traveling across the bridge.

Citizens are encourage not to travel unless absolutely necessary. For motorists traveling from the Eastern Shore toward Baltimore or other points west, an alternate route for the Bay Bridge is northbound US 113, US 13 or DE 1 through Delaware, to southbound I-95 in Maryland. Delaware traffic information will be posted on deldot.gov and announced on WTMC-AM (1380).

Motorists may access statewide travel information including traffic and weather conditions at MD511.org or calling 511. 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions are available by calling the BAYSPAN Hotline at 1-877-229-7726.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency stresses awareness and preparedness as Hurricane Irene approaches Maryland. Go to mema.state.md.us for the latest storm track and preparedness information.