Bay Bridge Eastbound Span to Close for Race

Why it matters

The closure allows runners and walkers to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge for the annual Bay Bridge Run, coordinated by the Maryland Transportation Authority with Anne Arundel and Queen Anne's counties. Drivers crossing Maryland's Eastern Shore should plan for substantial Sunday delays.

The details

Traffic in both directions will be moved onto the westbound span, with one lane for each direction and the center lane generally closed. The off-ramp from eastbound U.S. Route 50 to Maryland Route 8 and the on-ramp from Maryland Route 8 to westbound U.S. Route 50 will be closed, and eastbound Route 8 drivers will be directed to the Thompson Creek Road exit and then westbound on Maryland Route 835.

Timeline

1. Sunday, November 8, 12:01 a.m.: Eastbound span closure begins.

2. Sunday, November 8, 6 a.m.: Recommended travel window begins before peak closure.

3. Sunday, November 8, 2 p.m.: Eastbound span scheduled to reopen as race festivities conclude.

4. Sunday, November 8, 6 p.m.: Recommended travel window after closure.

Seasonal Patterns

The Bay Bridge Run is an annual event that has long required closures of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge's eastbound span, making this November closure a recurring feature of Maryland's fall racing calendar. Its timing follows the same pattern each year as the bridge is temporarily converted to race use.

The takeaway

Plan crossings outside the 12:01 a.m. to 2 p.m. eastbound closure window to avoid the heaviest Sunday delays. Confirm conditions before departing, since the closure schedule could shift with race timing.

Further reading

Find more race coverage in the Running section.

More information

Check real-time Bay Bridge traffic conditions before traveling on November 8.