STEVENSVILLE, Md. – The Maryland Transportation Authority is preparing for bridge warnings and restrictions over the weekend, as potential storms with windy and rainy conditions are in the forecast. The following possible changes could impact travel on all Maryland Transportation Authority bridges, including the Bay Bridge.
- Level 1: Wind warnings
- Level 2: Limited wind restrictions
- Level 3: Full wind restrictions
- Level 4: Traffic holds or bridge closures
Wind warnings would be implemented for box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks and others that may be impacted by high winds. These warnings would come if there are sustained wind speeds in the 30 to 40 mph range for at least 10 minutes, or gusts persistently over 30 mph over a period of 15 minutes.
Limited wind restrictions impact empty box trailers, house trailers or any vehicle that law enforcement feels could not safely cross the bridge in the given conditions. These would be prohibited from traveling across bridges. Drivers denied passage would be assisted with safely turning around. Limited wind restrictions occur with sustained wind speeds in the 40 to 50 mph range for 10 minutes or more or gusts consistently over 40 mph for 15 minutes.
Full wind restrictions require sustained wind speeds exceeding 50 mph for at least 10 minutes or gusts over 50 mph for 15 minutes. Under this level of restriction, only cars, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy-laden tractor trailers would be permitted.
Bridges would close if winds exceed 55 mph for more than 10 minutes. In the event of a sudden increase of sustained wind speeds or wind gusts that could jeopardize life or property, the transportation authority may decide to discontinue all traffic movement across a bridge.
For the Bay Bridge in particular, if wind warnings or restrictions are activated, two-way operations will be prohibited. The Maryland Transportation Authority provides updates on X, formerly Twitter.