(May 18, 2015) –Motorists traveling on US 50, MD 450 and other Annapolis-area roads should plan ahead for major traffic congestion this week through Friday due to United States Naval Academy (USNA) commissioning week/ graduation activities.  The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is assisting Anne Arundel and Annapolis authorities with traffic control during the Blue Angels flight practices on Tuesday and Wednesday and the USNA graduation Friday.

SHA will close MD 450 (Naval Academy Bridge) over the Severn River during the Blue Angels’ practice runs on Tuesday between 10:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Wednesday afternoon between 1:45 p.m. and 4 p.m.  Motorists are strongly encouraged to use MD 70 (Rowe Boulevard) to enter or exit Annapolis and allow extra travel time.

Additionally, crews will block the right lane on eastbound US 50 prior to MD 450 (West Street) on Tuesday and Wednesday mid-afternoon to allow traffic to depart the Annapolis area after the air shows. Approximately 140,000 motorists travel US 50 between I-97 and the Severn River Bridge daily.

The Naval Academy graduation ceremony is Friday and thousands of people will arrive at varying times throughout the day.  Additionally, SHA expects increased holiday/Eastern Shore bound traffic beginning Thursday and throughout the day Friday. SHA also anticipates traffic delays late Sunday and Monday at the conclusion of the long holiday weekend. SHA Coordinated Highway Action Response Team (CHART) crews will be patrolling US 50 and other SHA-maintained roads to assist with disabled vehicles, highway debris removal and crashes.

 

 

 

(SHA graphic: Map of Annapolis and vicinity.)

Motorists are urged to use www.md511.org and plan extra commuting time and consider alternate routes such as MD 2 (Governor Ritchie Highway) to US 50 if traveling toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

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