Sep 1, 2008 11:35 pm US/Eastern
Few Delays Reported On Bay Bridge
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Inspections continue, but it appears the cancellation of the repairs on the eastbound span did in fact cut down on traffic backups.
WJZ
Concern over Bay Bridge traffic--on top of the normal holiday travel--apparently didn't delay your return home as much as first anticipated.
Kelly McPherson explains why.
The start of the holiday travel weekend was rough.
"It's been a mess and we've got 10 more weeks of this? It's ridiculous," said Adrian Wiseman.
The first sign of easing the congestion appeared Friday afternoon. The state stopped taking tolls. The Bay Bridge is still being repaired after last month's tractor trailer accident, but all eastbound lanes opened on Sunday night--another sigh of relief for drivers.
"Labor Day weekend is one of our busiest weekends, so ideally if you can have both spans completely open to travel, it will help the flow," said Maryland Transportation Authority Secretary Ron Freeland.
Bridge inspections will continue on Tuesday. Non-Eastern Shore travelers say they managed to skirt around most mid-Atlantic traffic.
"A little bit at the Delaware bridge, but coming up we passed about three miles of people not moving," said Sarah Platovsky.
AAA had predicted fewer drivers on the road this summer, first on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, but the dip in travel expected on Labor Day this year compared to last year was not as great. AAA says part of the reason is because gas prices have dropped 40 cents in the past month.
"So far, no big traffic," said Rubin Benjamin.
The biggest issue for future traffic is the condition of the Bay Bridge. The Maryland Transportation Authority says they'll finish inspections, then decide if a third passageway should be built. One option discussed is a fast ferry.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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