(May 21, 2015) – Beach bound this Memorial Day weekend? Before you can dip your toes into the mighty ocean or build the perfect sand castle along the beach, you need to get there – safely. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) recommends that travelers use the free travel information service 511 in their journeys. In the Town of Ocean City, the Lifeguard Crab continues to spearhead the Walk Smart! campaign – reminding pedestrians to use crosswalks, drivers to stay alert and slow down and bicyclists to ride with traffic and follow signs and signals.

On your journey to the beach, 511 is easy to use – simply choose your region, then prompt “Reach the Beach.” You can get traffic incidents and travel times from east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Ocean City as well as to the towns in between. Off to the lakes in Western Maryland instead? The 511 travel advisory system provides road conditions and travel times for interstates and major highways throughout the State, including I-70 and I-68 heading west. Create a "my 511" account and receive traffic updates directly by text and e-mail, so you will have the latest information before stepping into your vehicle.

“Our mission at SHA is to help travelers arrive at their destinations safely not only this weekend but every day,” said SHA Acting Administrator Doug Simmons.

The Maryland Transportation Authority also can help guide you on your journey with updates on a recorded line specifically providing information about the Chesapeake Bay Bridge at 1-877-BAYSPAN and on the web at www.Baybridge.com. Travelers can plan ahead and use E-ZPass to pay the toll to avoid delays.

SHA’s CHART (Coordinated Highways Action Response Team) program operators monitor conditions and share information with motorists around the clock to assist stranded motorists and minimize traffic delays.

Whatever your plans, however you travel on Maryland’s roads, visit md511.org for travel information and ocwalksmart.com for life-saving safety tips. ​