WASHINGTON — Depending on the weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Isaías the Maryland Transportation Authority MDTA could decide to temporarily hold traffic on bridges and toll facilities, according to MDTA.
Ahead of expected severe weather winds, heavy rains and flood potentials due to the impact of Tropical Storm Isaías in the DMV region, the MDTA wants drivers to keep weather conditions in mind before driving on bridges and the roadway.
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The decision to hold traffic at a toll facility would be based on real-time and current weather conditions at a given facility, MDTA officials said. MDTA plans to keep its facilities open as long as conditions are deemed safe to do so.
Officials ask drivers to keep their speeds down and to use both hands on the steering wheel when driving through extreme weather conditions.
MDTA bridges, wind warnings and restrictions will be implemented as outlined below, according to officials:
- Wind Warnings (sustained wind speeds of 30-39 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 30 mph over a period of 15 mins) operators of house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds are advised to use caution while traveling across the bridge.
- Limited Wind Restrictions (sustained wind speeds of 40-49 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 40 mph over a period of 15 mins) house trailers, empty box trailers or any vehicle that, in the opinion of law-enforcement personnel, may not safely cross the bridge will be prohibited from traveling the bridge. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.
- Full Wind Restrictions (sustained wind speeds exceeding 50 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 50 mph over a period of 15 mins) only automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy-laden tractor/trailers are permitted to cross the bridge. Tractor-box trailer combinations will not be permitted to cross any bridge if the gross weight is less than 64,000 pounds.
- Traffic Holds/Bridge Closure (sustained wind speeds exceeding 55 mph for a continuous period of 10 mins or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 55 mph over a period of 15 mins) In the event of a sudden increase of sustained wind speeds or wind gusts that could jeopardize life or property, the MDTA may elect to discontinue the movement of all traffic across the bridge.
Bikes will not be allowed on the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge when a wind warning, restriction or closure is in place, officials said.
For the latest updates on MDTA bridge conditions, click here. Travelers can also call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for conditions at the Bay Bridge.
As of Monday afternoon, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from metro the D.C. area, south through Charles county and east from Prince George's County to Anne Arundel county too. Also in the warning, most of the Delmarva and the Northern Neck, Calvert & St. Mary's counties and all of the Eastern Shore.
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