Maryland travelers adjust plans as fuel costs and Bay Bridge delays surge
Rising fuel costs and holiday traffic are changing travel plans for many Maryland residents this week. With petrol prices soaring to an average of $4.50 per gallon—up from $3.08 last year—some, like Everett Smith of West Baltimore, are choosing to stay closer to home near the Chesapeake Bay instead of hitting the road. Heavy rain and congestion have also made journeys less appealing for others across the state. The Maryland State Highway Administration has issued advice for drivers crossing the Bay Bridge on Thursday, May 21. Eastbound travellers should aim to leave before 10 a.m. or after 10 p.m. to avoid the worst delays. Those heading westbound are urged to travel before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m. for smoother trips.
To ease congestion, two-way traffic will be in place on the bridge, helping to reduce hold-ups for eastbound motorists. For Friday journeys, officials recommend setting off early or staying late to dodge the heaviest traffic. With fuel costs cutting into budgets, some residents are swapping long trips for local 'staycations'. Others are turning to discounts, such as those offered through the Earnify app, which gives Amazon Prime members savings at BP and AMACO stations. Overall, the number of travellers in Maryland has dipped slightly compared to last year, with price uncertainty playing a key role in the shift.
The combination of high petrol prices, unpredictable weather, and busy roads has led to fewer Marylanders travelling this season. Those still planning to cross the Bay Bridge can avoid delays by adjusting their schedules or using available discounts to offset fuel expenses. State officials continue to monitor traffic patterns as the holiday period progresses.
