ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WMAR) — Beginning Monday you can expect major traffic delays on the Bay Bridge.
The right side westbound lane will close around the clock through April 2020, for the long planned $27 million deck rehabilitation project.
Two-way traffic operations on the bridge were already halted September 24 and are expected to remain in effect until at least October 5 due to a narrower lane configuration.
During that time, the Maryland Transportation Authority plans to shut down the entire westbound side of the bridge overnight to give workers a safe zone to restripe the three lanes.
Currently those closures are scheduled on Sunday from midnight to 5 a.m., Monday through Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Thursday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Two-way traffic will operate on the eastbound side during the full westbound closures.
The project was originally scheduled to start in early September, but was delayed to accommodate travelers through the last weekend of September.
“We continue to make every effort to minimize impacts on residents, commuters and weekend travelers,” said MDTA Executive Director Jim Ports.
It's possible the right lane closure could extend into May 2020, depending on work progress.
MDTA says that even though traffic volumes are lowest at the bridge during the affected months, motorists should expect major delays, even during normal conditions and especially during holidays, traffic incidents and inclement weather.
Similar closures are also tentatively scheduled for fall 2020 and spring 2021, with an expected completion time of August 2021.
The westbound right lane will be fully reopened for the summer travel season from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day 2020, although temporary lane closures may occur during off-peak hours.
As part of the project, the bridge deck surface of the westbound right lane will be replaced along with other deck repairs, including sealing the bridge deck and the replacement of current lane-use signal gantries and steel rail posts.
The work is being performed by Wagman Heavy Civil Inc. and being funded by toll money collected.
