Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Chesapeake Bay Bridge:
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge (commonly known as the Bay Bridge) is a major dual-span bridge in the U.S. state of Maryland. Spanning the Chesapeake Bay, it connects the state's rural Eastern Shore region with the more urban Western Shore. The original span opened in 1952 and, at the time, with a length of 4.3 miles (6.9 km), it was the world's longest continuous over-water steel structure. The parallel span was added in 1973. The bridge is officially named the William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge after William Preston Lane, Jr. who, as governor of Maryland, initiated its construction.The bridge is part of U.S. Routes 50 and 301, and serves as a vital link in both routes. As part of U.S. Route 50, it connects the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area with tourist destinations such as Ocean City, Maryland, Delaware's ocean resorts, Assateague Island, and Chincoteague, Virginia. As part of U.S. Route 301, it serves as part of an alternate route for Interstate 95 travelers between northern Delaware and the Washington, D.C. area. Because of this linkage, the bridge is heavily traveled and has become known as a point of traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours and summer months.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Details:
Chesapeake Bay Bridge traffic can get heavy at times, especially during summer weekends as people travel Route 50 to and from the beaches.  Here is some traffic information to help with trip planning.  We've provided links to current traffic condition and traffic webcams, as well as some tips on the best time to travel Route 50 and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to miss traffic jams, including the summertime Ocean City beach traffic.
Current Traffic Conditions:
Chesapeake Bay Bridge current conditions, live audio online.  Nice little service from the Maryland Transportation Authority.  You can also get the same information by calling 1-877-BAYSPAN.
Live Chesapeake Bay Bridge Webcams.  Check on traffic conditions before you leave home with these live webcams.
Maryland Transportation Auothority Travel Advisories.  The official word on Bay Bridge lane closures, etc., updated weekly. 
Toll:
$2.50 for two axle vehicles + $2.50 per additional axle.  Toll booth is on the Western Shore side.
Length:
4.2 miles.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which takes Route 50 across the Chesapeake Bay between the Kent Island and Annapolis areas, is officially named The William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge - but most locals refer to it simply as the "Bay Bridge."  The Bridge is 4.2 miles long - one of the longest over water structures in the world.  The Bay Bridge is actually two side by side bridges with two lanes of traffic on each span.  The first bridge (eastbound span) opened in July of 1952 and the second bridge (westbound span) opened in June of 1973.  The Bay Bridge is named after William Preston Lane, Jr., who was the Governor of Maryland when construction of the first span began.