Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Rush Anticipated
DelDOT and MDTA provided the following information and resources for motorists and Memorial Day weekend travelers:
Dover: The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is suspending construction-related lane closures at 12:01 AM on Thursday, May 27, 2021 until 12:01 AM on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. On-going sustained lane shifts and/or lane closures may still be in effect at certain locations. Motorists should exercise caution as heavy holiday traffic is anticipated. Emergency lane and/or shoulder closures may occur at any time on the interstates and state routes.
Motorists should expect heavy traffic on roads across the state and are encouraged to avoid distractions, follow posted speed limits, and have patience as volume is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels.
Transportation Management Center
DelDOT’s Transportation Management Center (TMC) and WTMC 1380 AM provides motorists real-time traffic conditions throughout the state. Motorists can contact the TMC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report any travel or traffic related issues at the following numbers: Dial #77 from cell phone in Delaware; (302) 659-4600; or 1-800-324-8379.
DelDOT’s App
Motorists may adjust their routes or travel times by using DelDOT’s Smartphone application. The DelDOT App is available for Apple & Android smart phones and tablets. You can download the DelDOT App free, search for “DelDOT” at the Apple and Google Play stores. With the DelDOT App you will be able to view real time traffic cameras, travel times, delays, advisories, DART’s Real-Time Transit Information. Don’t forget to also listen to WTMC 1380 AM.
Social Media
Follow DelDOT on social media with Facebook and Twitter at  https://www.facebook.com/DelawareDOT
and https://twitter.com/DelawareDOT
Rest Stops
Motorists looking for a break can visit the Biden Welcome Center on I-95 near Newark or the Smyrna Rest Area on Route 1, Exit 119 or US 13 near Smyrna.
DART
DART’s Route 305, Beach Connection provides a relaxing ride from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Monday, September 6, 2021. Route 305 stops include the Wilmington Transit Center, Christiana Mall, Odessa Park & Ride on Route 299 just off Route 1 in Middletown, Scarborough Road Park & Ride in Dover, South Frederica Park & Ride, Lewes Park & Ride, and the Rehoboth Park & Ride.
The Beach Connection is a comfortable motor coach offering 45 seats, 2 wheelchair positions, along with under coach storage compartments for beach gear and luggage.
DART’s Beach Bus Services operate daily, serving from Lewes to Ocean City, MD, and including Georgetown and Millsboro. The service operates from approximately 5:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. through Sunday, September 12, 2021. All buses are air-conditioned, ADA accessible, and equipped with bike racks.
Visitors and residents are encouraged to use one of DART’s Park & Ride lots. The Lewes Park & Ride is located on Coastal Highway, just south of Five Points. The Rehoboth Park & Ride is located off of Route 1 on Shuttle Road, just north of the entrance to Rehoboth Avenue. Parking is free at both Park & Ride lots and the bus fare is paid upon boarding.
With the free DART Transit app, riders can plan their trip, view bus stops, get real-time bus information, and see where the bus is along its route. And, for quick and contactless mobile fare payment – download the DART Pass app.
DART riders can also subscribe to Rider Alerts and DART news at Delaware Notification Service.
For additional information, please call 1-800-652-DART.
The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State.
E-ZPass
The E-ZPass Express Lanes are open at US 301; I-95 Newark Toll Plaza; Biddles Toll Plaza on Route 1; and Dover Plaza on Route 1. Motorists are reminded to slow down when approaching the toll plazas, to ensure the safety of our toll collectors.
Motorists can obtain an E-ZPass account online at   https://www.ezpassde.com/ and click on “Get E-ZPass.” Customers can also register for an E-ZPass account in person at any Toll Plaza Customer Service Center 24 hours a day or call 1-888-397-2773 from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. weekdays, and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
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The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is urging motorists to help protect themselves, their families and other travelers during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday by placing safety at the top of their trip checklist. The MDTA also encourages drivers to plan ahead and travel off-peak to avoid delays, particularly when crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Motorists should expect delays at the Bay Bridge and along the US 50 corridor during this holiday weekend. Heavier eastbound traffic volumes should be expected Thursday through Saturday, May 27-29, with heavier westbound traffic volumes expected to build Sunday and Monday, May 30-31. Motorists should stay on US 50 on BOTH sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents.
Travel off-peak when heading to and from the Eastern Shore. The best times to travel the Bay Bridge this holiday period include:
- Thursday, May 27 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Friday, May 28 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Saturday, May 29 – before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 30 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
- Memorial Day Monday, May 31 – before 8 a.m. and after 11 p.m.
Weather and traffic volumes permitting, the MDTA will implement two-way operations to help alleviate eastbound delays at the Bay Bridge. Motorists MUST pay attention and adhere to overhead lane signals. As a reminder, two-way is prohibited during bridge wind warnings/restrictions, fog or times of precipitation.
For 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic information call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) or visit Baybridge.com. For real-time updates on major incidents on Maryland toll roads follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA.
Put safety first, second and third in any travel plans.
- Devote your full attention to driving and maintain a safe following distance.
- State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency, transportation, service and utility vehicle or tow truck with red, yellow or amber flashing lights. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
- Secure your load in vehicles and trailers before traveling. Items that can shift, slide or fall onto the roadway can lead to serious vehicle crashes, especially on roads with no shoulders like bridges.
- Make sure your vehicle is road ready. A breakdown can create a backup within seconds. If your vehicle breaks down, exit the roadway or, if that isn’t possible, remain inside your vehicle and call #77 for assistance.
The MDTA Police will remain vigilant and target dangerous drivers, seat belt violations and criminal activity throughout the holiday travel period. We remind drivers that every crash, injury and death caused by impaired driving is completely preventable. To report aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911.
Traveling along I-95 in northeast Maryland? Stop by the Maryland House (mile marker 82) or Chesapeake House (mile marker 97) travel plazas for food, rest or Wi-Fi access. Indoor and outdoor seating is available at the travel plazas. While face coverings are no longer required within state owned or leased buildings for employees or visitors, they are still recommended for those who are unvaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, all visitors may continue to wear a face covering if they desire.
All-electronic (cashless) tolling is permanent statewide. Tolls are collected through
E-ZPass, Video Tolling and the newest way to pay for Maryland tolls, Pay-By-Plate. With Pay-By-Plate, tolls are automatically billed to the driver’s registered credit card as they use Maryland toll facilities, with no need for a transponder or pre-paid toll deposit.
E-ZPass remains the most cost-effective way to travel toll roads in Maryland, saving drivers up to 77% versus the higher rates and additional paperwork that come with Video Tolls. Enroll in E-ZPass or sign up for Pay-By-Plate today at DriveEzMD.com. We’ll Keep You Moving!
DriveEzMD Customer Service Centers will be closed Monday, May 31. Visit DriveEzMD.com or use the automated system at 1-888-321-6824 for 24/7 account maintenance or to make payments.
Sign up for email/text alerts athttps://bit.ly/2Dh9EZn. Find us at facebook.com/TheMDTA. The MDTA thanks all roadway users for their continued partnership with us to help keep travels safe.
