William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Chesapeake) Bay Bridge

Nice and smooth lanes both directions across the water. Scenic views of bay and the bridge itself. Constant traffic and congestion on the bridge, plan accordingly

Beautiful views, but quite an experience! The scenery was stunning, especially around sunset. We happened to be on the side where traffic flows in both directions, and honestly, it was one of the scariest bridges we’ve ever crossed. We were all praying to Almighty until we safely reached the other side 😀 After a full day of driving, I definitely didn’t expect to be this alert—but it was memorable!

The Bay Bridge is an essential part of my weekly commute, and overall, it provides a reliable crossing. There are two spans: the eastbound span has only two lanes, while the westbound span offers three lanes. During heavy traffic in the eastbound direction, one of the westbound lanes is dedicated to eastbound traffic, which helps manage congestion. There are always clear signs and electronic indicators showing which lanes are open, making it easy to navigate. The toll is only for eastbound traffic, and it’s conveniently collected through sensors and cameras on the east side, so there’s no need to stop at a toll booth. The bridge is open at all times unless high wind restrictions are in place, which is important to know for safety reasons. Overall, the Bay Bridge is a well-maintained and efficient route for crossing the bay.

I’ve been on this bridge around 10 times. Although this bridge is very important and functional, it is not very well built, scary long, and has low guardrails. Plus, on the side with 2 lanes, you are stuck close to the edge with no way out.

We crossed this bridge about 4 times, the first was 5:30 pm on a Friday night in a severe thunderstorm and if anyone was wondering I do NOT recommend that! The other 3 times were wonderful experiences! The traffic flow on the northern bridge permits one lane to go the other direction if needed so do NOT drive in lanes with an x . Beautiful structure !

A legendary icon of Maryland and often cited as the scariest bridge in America, the legacy of the bay bridge precedes it. The bridge itself is quiet tame, however depending on the weather you either get the prettiest views on the entire eastern shore, or the feeling that you're in the middle of the rapture. My main issues tend to fall in the civil design. Obviously I'm no civil engineer but there are many issues with how the bridge was set up (lane count for one) that come as a result of the original architects never envisioning modern traffic. One can expect up to a 2 hour wait leading up to it going eastward on a week day afternoon, however they've been attempting fixes to these issues such as closing late exits and at least once you finally get there you can (usually) enjoy the view. Below are some pictures taken on a dreary Tuesday afternoon after sitting in an hour of traffic.

Scariest bridge in the U.S.? Nah. In fact, one of the most scenic bridges in America if you ask me. It is very cool how they have so many different sections on the two bridges: They have a pier section, through truss section, deck truss section, and the main suspension bridge.

Beautiful bridge ! Love the scenic view . Great for travel to MD/VA from NJ . Not sure about the toll charges but this looked a very very long bridge :) pls take care of speed limits here … loved it overall ..

Only way to get to the Eastern Shore for a good portion of Marylanders so it backs up often in summer with 7 mile delays. However, with the use of gates to open and close lanes the bridge people do the best they can. Architecturally it's a pretty bridge and easy to navigate.

I'm not an engineer, but what a masterpiece! These bridges are stunning and terrifying at the same time. These first time I went over one of the bridges, I had a panic attack lol. Now I'm just in awe of how beautifully made they are. When it's windy it sucks. During peak times there's 2 way traffic on one of the bridges.

Still a five star experience driving over this wondrous landmark. My knuckles are white driving over it but wow, the view is absolutely fantastic!

A drive across Chesapeake Bay Bridge when cruising through Maryland is highly recommended! It's even better on a clear day! The views while driving across are absolutely breathtaking! Chesapeake Bay Bridge is located in the picturesque town of Annapolis, Maryland. It's not only an area that attracts tourists but it's also home to the Naval Academy. Basically, the area is heavily traveled by locals and tourists. Building this bridge was vital for people to travel across such a large body of water. This bridge seemed to go on forever and a day! It's absolutely beautiful and you get a nice view of Chesapeake Bay. As you look take in the scenery, you'll see plenty of people fishing and boating at leisure. Fog may impair your view but it adds more character to your drive and makes it seem a little more eerie. You sort of disappear into the clouds when it's foggy. Don't forget to turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible to drivers. It's especially important when there are low clouds. Be cognizant or construction crews climbing the beams when you are crossing the bridge. Also, look up to see which lanes are open. It's a very dangerous situation, so to ensure the safety of all drivers, pay attention to your surroundings. The views are beautiful, but remember to drive with caution and enjoy the scenery as you venture across the bridge!

Opened in 1952, the official name is Gov. William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge. At 4.3 miles long, it's the longest bridge I've been on to date. We were east-bound which is on the original span, so there were just 2 lanes of travel and no shoulders should you have an emergency. The west-bound bridge is newer and has 3 lanes. Pavement conditions were good. Traffic was backed up for an almost 30-minute delay on this particular Saturday afternoon in July 2022 near the bridge's entrance. After that it was smooth sailing.

There is still construction going on so pack your patience when you're driving. The commute goes by quickly if you don't have a driver in front of you and they don't know how to drive.

This is the bridge across the Chesapeake Bay more or less in the middle of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay and is not to be confused with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel at the mouth of the Bay. This bridge is a dual span bridge connecting the rural eastern shore of Maryland with the more urban western shore. It carries the U.S. Hwys. 50 and 301. Driving across it in both directions was one of the highlights of our trip. Because of its construction, it feels really "open," and you can see a lot while driving over it. It really does offer spectacular views because it goes up really high to allow for ship traffic. Even though it obviously was built for utilitarian purposes, even if you have no reason to cross the Bay, I would take the drive across this bridge just for the experience. Because of its length and type of construction, there are people who are scared to drive over it and believe it or not there is an organized service (for pay) which will drive your car across the bridge for you if you are too scared to do so. I am amazed that such a service exists, but it should because this bridge is somewhat scary to drive over because it is so narrow and so open. I personally love going over bridges and seeing the different architectural designs. Interesting fact: This bridge was officially named the Gov. William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge after William Preston Lane Jr. who, as the 52nd Governor of Maryland, initiated its construction in the late 1940s.

I love bridges & this one has stolen a piece of my heart & it's being left in THE BAY!!! All the water and the bridge are symbolic to me of going places, crossing over & the like. I love it. The traffic seemed to back up a little bit, but it worked itself out and the we were moving again. Crossed over during July 2020 during COVID 19 & they've seemed to suspend the tolls, this is a great thing. I'm sure the State will survive as will we.

Anyone else get a little anxiety when crossing this bridge? Ok, cool, I'm not alone there. On a recent trip I had the opportunity, or was a forced opportunity, to take this bridge. From a distance it looks massive, but no as massive as when you are up on it. Not sure it this is still going on, but there was construction happening on the spans. I was heading eastbound and had to basically pick whichever way I wanted to cross. That meant if I was in one lane I was on one of the bridges and the other took you over the other span. I ended up on the span that was carrying east and west traffic which meant one lane. I did not pay much attention to my surroundings as I was concentrating on my driving to cross this span. It can feel quite intimidating crossing this, but it sure does cut down on the time needed to drive. I looked on the map afterwards and saw that it drastically cut down on my commute. It is actually a beautiful set of bridges that are well maintained. I am always amazed by how people have conquered some terrains. It was a bit windy that day so I understood why they advise you to pick a lane and stay in it. No way was I going to be changing lanes to get to my destination.

Driving across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is about the same as taking a thrill ride in an amusement park. It's so high above the water and genuinely scary as you ascend across the bay. But when you finally do get across, it feel like a major accomplishment! lol If your destination or summer ride includes the Eastern Shore -- Ocean City Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and/or every waterway in between like Fenwick Island and Assateague Island --Island of the Wild Horses.....you are bound to have to take this bridge. This dual bridge is an impressive sight for sure, although it is in need of dire renovation and repair. $4 toll for eastbound traffic gets you on the bridge which has 186 foot clearance! As for the traffic, it can get really congested and bad driving in both directions of the bridge. So if you get anxiety from being in high-tight spaces...don't look down or focus on the guard rails. It can get to you and make you nervous. Other than this, you will be fine. Actually for me, I enjoy the drive across this bridge during the summers heading to the beach. And, the views of the Chesapeake from being so high up on the bridge is amazing! *Tip: 1) Do not try to take a pic or Instagram moment while driving on the bridge! Accidents can happen ( which they have on this bridge) and back traffic up for miles! 2) One can get great pictures of the bridge from Terrapin Nature Park on Kent Island. It's a great rest stop too.

05.96.22 It was super windy coming across the bridge this trip they have put in some new gates that look to swing out in the walls in different places before getting to the bridge. Maybe they are for when they start building the new bridge to help direct traffic. It will be nice once the new bridge gets built and stop the 2 way traffic on one bridge.

Officially the Governor William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, who was the 52nd Governor of the state and was chiefly responsible for kicking off the construction in the 1940s. The bridge carries US50 and US301 across the Chesapeake Bay. It joins Anna Arundel and Queen Anne's Counties. It is also the main route between the Baltimore-Washington area and Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach on the Maryland/Delaware peninsula. There is a one-way toll, only eastbound for $4.00 but I was running westbound today so it was free for me! The bridge is a full 186 feet above the water, which can be quite daunting. It's known as one of the scariest bridges in the world, thanks to its lack of shoulders and the low guardrails. What's really cool is that I learned that the Maryland Transportation Authority offers a service through contractors to provide transportation across the bridge for nervous drivers. Easy and quick transport. I'm a fan! [Review 11539 overall, 1319 of 2019.]

Nifty bridge - nearly 5 miles - connecting eastern shore of Maryland with the main area. Two spans - one three lanes and one two lanes. Amazing views of Chesapeake Bay while driving. Each spring - one day a span is closed so folks can walk the bridge. Incredible experience.

I cant believe that I haven't reviewed this place. I finally over came my phobia of driving on this bridge! During covid, theres no fee , however after all this is over, they will be cashless. The toll booths are all gone. The bridge is updated and newly renovated. The grates on the ground are gone. Its not scary. If your the passenger enjoy the lovely view. If you're the driver just focus on the traffic. There's a lot of drivers who just love to speed and do unsafe lane changes. For travelling its best to go during non peak times, as traffic backs up late morning going towards OC, and in the afternoon when your heading towards DC.

Bottom Line: A 4.5 mile toll bridge spanning between Annapolis and the Eastern Shore that is prone to heavy traffic congestion but offers sweeping views of the bay. I really don't know how to assign a rating to a bridge but I can certainly write about it. There are many good things about this bridge and some that I wish were different. Starting with the obvious, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, links Annapolis to the Eastern Shore so it allows for a relatively easily migration to the Eastern Shore. If it weren't for this bridge on US-50, we'd all have to take the long way around or grab a ferry! The bridge's span, shore-to-shore, is 4.5+ miles so its already a long trek. The original span was built in the 1950s and it was such a huge success that another span was built in the 1970s. Generally, two lanes of traffic run eastbound on the southern span and three lanes of traffic run westbound on the northern span. But, occasionally, two-way traffic will be run on the one of the spans either because of heavy traffic or an accident. While this flexibility is nice, it makes a lot of drivers nervous. In fact, a lot of people get nervous on this bridge even without the two-way traffic which is a safety hazard. So cheers for two spans, with a flexible configuration, but jeers for nervous drivers! The views from the top of the bridge are great. When I am the passenger, I am sure to peer over the side to check out the ships, crabbers and such. When I am the driver, I keep my eyes on the road and do not let the sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay tempt me! If you really want to get some good views, then sign up for the Bay Bridge Walk or Run annually in early May or Across the Bay 10K annually in November. I love that after crossing the bridge to go to the Eastern Shore, I am immediately transported to a slower pace of life. I love the rural feel that is immediately noticeable and I enjoy many things on the Eastern Shore like dinners at Knoxie's Table. It is certainly worth the toll every time, which is currently $2.50 for a two-axle car with an EZPass. The toll rates are available on line here: http://baybridge.maryland.gov/toll-rates The roll plaza and roadway over the bridge are well maintained because pot holes or other surprises are the last thing anyone would want to encounter on this structure. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is notorious for traffic congestion, especially during the beach season since it is a major artery for those wishing to visit Ocean City and surrounding beaches. And since it doesn't have any shoulders, there is no where for broken down cars to move out of the lanes. For updates on traffic, wind advisories, alternate traffic patterns and road closures, you can call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) or check the website http://baybridge.maryland.gov/. The road surface is roughly 200 feet above water at the highest point. That means that it can be subject to dangerous cross winds and sadly its a known destination for those contemplating life.

I love this bridge! I like the view of the bay. So peaceful to see. We like to sometimes take a long drive and you can bet this is the way we would go and you can pick up some seafood on the way if you like.. I feel totally safe while driving on it. I will continue to use it on our way to our scenic views or going to a destination point.

Cool bridge and Uber long. It has several facets and great views. I personally love bridges and tunnels. It's kinda my thing. It cost about $4 and takes about 6-10 minutes to cross depending on your speed. It also has double lanes. Go enjoy the great views and nice architecture.

5 Stars just for being as advertised. The bridge is indeed a bridge. Not only is it a bridge, but it bridges. Without this bridge their would be no bridging, and I would not know any other way to get to ocean city.

One of my weekend hobbies while here in the east coast is taking off on long road trips. This time around, I was coming back from New York, and I was meeting my buddy in DC. I decided to cut through eastern Maryland and take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Traffic was moderate, but the views of the bay were great. This is a lengthy bridge, but nowhere near as long as the one near Virginia Beach. On one end is where Maryland meets Delaware, and the on the other end is the Naval Academy. It was a nice drive, I would recommend it. Expect some level of traffic, though.

Without a boat or an airplane or a five mile swim, this is the only way you're crossing the Chesapeake Bay between the Susquehanna River and Norfolk, VA. It's a double span, five mile long bridge with East and West bound spans that are sometimes rerouted due to traffic. Because it's the main route between the Baltimore - Washington areas and the beaches, traffic can be a nightmare on weekends. Plan ahead. It's not cheap, but the toll is only for eastbound traffic. Starting 11 May 2020 tolls cannot be paid with cash. The bridge is named after a former governor, who I will not mention because I believe it should be illegal to name ANYTHING after a politician, unless they personally paid for it.

Believe it or not, today was the first day I got the opportunity to cross this majestic bridge. This bridge connects Marylanders (and others) to the Eastern and Western Shores. It saves most people roughly 30-60 minutes, but there always seems to be congestion on this bridge because of how it helps gets people to Delaware and points east. The views are quite scenic, and the design of the bridge is absolutely stunning. They have lattice archwork, combined with the truss designs of the 1920's and 1930's that it is like driving over FOUR different bridges. I can see why this bridge is often called America's Scariest Bridge because of the fact it is way up, and high winds can make for a quite thrilling ride over the bridge. The tolls are not too bad. It is $4 for cash or non-Maryland E-ZPass holders, and $2.50 if you have E-ZPass for Maryland, and it is only paid one way if you are heading towards the Eastern Shore. I also found it is a much easier routing than if you were to go via I-95, which I know all too well is a total butcherjob most times of the year. Check another bridge off my list!

Accidentally took the left lane heading East on a windy afternoon. Do you like oncoming traffic going 40+ coming right at you with a 1' wide painted line "barrier?" I do not. Stay to the right. 0/10 would not recommend.

We live in Hampton Roads so on the way back from Baltimore we decided to try Chesapeake Bay Bridge due to great reviews. I must admit this bridge is nothing compared to CBBT. I was expecting thrill ride but got slow traffic and drivers care more to take a photo than driving ahead - it was a clear drive once we passed top of the bridge. Also big trucks directed to single lane bridge on the right and I was dummy stayed on the left - 3 lanes. I couldn't enjoy the drive due to heavy braking by people ahead. I have EZ Pass Va and I believe toll is $4 for out of state. I have 4* since I probably would've enjoyed this bridge if I didn't live so close to CBBT and can experience truly joyful ride any time I feel like spend $26. Unfortunately I just didn't get thrill as reviews promised.

Amazing views from this bridge on clear days. If you get lucky with both a clear day and no traffic, it's a very enjoyable crossing. Just thinking about the work that went into building it is incredible.

Being on the bridge is awesome! The view is amazing, and it is surprising how different it is on each side of the span. The Annapolis side is, obviously, wealthier and has more places to make and spend. The other side of the bridge has only been "connected" since 1972. It is a glorious place to visit, and live. The long lines during the summer for those who want to visit are deservible, yet unfortunately, the norm for locals who don't live on the state capital side. Again, the actual bridge is fabtastic, however, since the recent govener thought to decrease the toll charges, the bridge is falling into noticeable disrepair. The girders, and metal frames are seriously, and visibly, rusting. When you Yelp the bridge, Annapolis claims territory of the position. The surrounding area of the State Capitol deals with traffic issues on Rt. 50, and other maintenance issues of the surrounding area infrastructure. I believe more can be done with the overall caretaking with regards to such iconic architectural presence. I love the bridge. Keep it in good and safe maintenance. Just saying. Good and safe travels to all professionals, families, and sightseers.

If you follow these easy steps; you'll be fine crossing this bridge. If you ignore my easy steps, don't say I didn't try to help you! * Have cash of $7 or your EZPass ready when approaching the toll. * Do not question the toll attendant about the amount to cross the toll road. * Go the designated speed limit on the bridge. * Don't be an ass hole and try to pass people. Why? People like to take photos and will go slower than what they should because they are using the cell phone to capture the moment instead of focusing on the road. If you fly by, and they're not already paying attention -- you're only going to make matters worse. * If you see someone trying to take photos with their phone; honk at them! * If you want to get photos while crossing the bridge to indicate 'you were here!', have your passenger take photos. If you do not have a passenger; savor the moment with your imagination. Don't risk other's lives. * Do not drive too slow. Keep up with traffic without being reckless. * Pray when crossing the bridge that you won't wreck and fall into the bay or that the Bay Bridge won't collapse while driving over it. When going west bound on the bridge, there is no toll. Only east bound. Once you cross the bridge -- remember the beach isn't too far out of reach and you're almost to fun in the sun!

A huge and amazing bridge. The views are amazing. Most of the times there is traffic but it depends on when you go.

Love having EZ Pass for crossing on the Bay Bridge! The view is gorgeous and the architecture of the bridge is interesting as well. Don't speed, don't pass people, and, for the love of God, PLEASE do not stop on the bridge (a la the car in front of me last week, which almost caused a huge pile up)! There's no toll going East bound-yay! I always get so nervous driving over this bridge-my biggest nightmare is falling off a bridge in a car-and if that were to happen this seems like the place it would. Still, once you see the bridge you know you're thisclose to the Eastern Shore and the Delaware (or MD if you prefer) beaches are not much further!

Today was my first time traversing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and I was duly impressed. Definitely one of, if not -the-, longest bridges I've driven across. The only other one I've been on with nearly the same length was the Tampa Bay Bridge, and I've only driven that one at night, with the glittering lights of the shore twinkling away. At any rate, Ray did a great job capturing a lot of the general information about our Bay Bridge, and not a whole lot has changed since then, except for perhaps the volume of traffic on it. In the middle of the day on an off-season Friday, there was still a backup at the eastbound toll plaza. Once on the bridge itself, traffic freed up. Coming back during the evening was an entirely different experience. At roughly 1700, heading westbound took nearly 45 minutes to simply wade through the traffic of getting onto the bridge due to four lanes squeezing down to two. Once on the bridge, things were moving at speed. However, traffic going the opposite direction (leaving DC heading toward the eastern shore) was backed up for -miles- beyond the toll plaza. That's -with- the bi-directional lane in their favor. Not jealous of those poor suckers! I can't begin to imagine how awful the waits must get during the heaviest of the summer season when even more people head toward Ocean City for weekend getaways. Structurally, this is a simple, modern design that's appealing and engaging during the drive over. In the passenger seat, I was fortunate enough to be afforded a great view of speedboats and yachts passing beneath us on a clear, cloud-dotted sky. As you head west toward the setting sun across the bridge, the sunlight sparkles like silver and gold across the water ahead of you. Those that know me can appreciate it when I say that it qualifies as a romantic sight worth holding hands in appreciation over. Aaaaaaaand that's my curtain call!

As an engineer I always get fascinated by projects in this caliber , I feel excited every time I drive over the bridge . But the fact that there is no other crossing to bay arwa is ridiculous, there should be multiple crossings , that would cut the travel time to very less that current situation.

What an engineering wonder and emotional rollercoaster! I prefer overland travel far and above other forms of travel. Cars, buses, motorcycle with a side car, walking, bicycling...the list goes on...skateboard, roller skates, toboggan (when snow is present). I don't care for riding horses, because I wouldn't feel comfortable with subjecting a horse to my weight and whim. Horses don't deserve that. So, this bridge...WOW! Traffic went along pretty smooth considering this is the one way to get across this stretch of Chesapeake Bay. As a passenger of a vehicle, the view from this bridge is remarkable. I'm sure it's similar to the driver of a vehicle as well, but I wasn't driving, so I can't say for sure. The beautiful Chesapeake Bay, or as the early Spanish called it, "Bahia de Santa Maria", is the World's largest estuary and it really shows. And talk about wind. This bridge has it! That's when I saw them. One after another. Every 10 meters or so. Seabirds who, by the look of their contorted remains, were the tragic victims of this confluence of wind and bridge. A terrible sight. Now, I have no inherent love of seabirds, but they have just as much right to fly or glide or whatever they do around here. I should write to the Mayor of the Bridge and suggest installing a scarecrow to keep the seabirds away. What are seabirds scared of? Obviously not this bridge. Or cars. Maybe the Mayor could disguise the bridge as Great White Shark or a Sabertooth Tiger. Or they could divert the seabirds from their apparently doomed flight path with a fish & chips platform out in the bay. Make it a tourist destination. Come feed the elegant seabirds of Bahia de Santa Maria! ¡Elegantes Aves Marinas de la Bahía de Santa María! I'd make a side trip for that!

I'm pretty sure my sadistic girlfriend somehow manipulated her Waze app to take us over this terrifying junk heap of scrap metal on our way back from Florida. As someone with multiple phobias (flying, clowns, massages, classical music, cruise ships and you know, scary-ass bridges!) I'd heard that this was known as a real white knuckle ride but figured I'd never have the displeasure of experiencing it first hand. Well, here we go! From the Annapolis approach, the curvature of the highway gives you a nice wide view of pretty much the entire bridge in all its horrific, ominous glory so you know exactly what you're in for. First thing you notice is that it looks totally randomly pieced together like they just decided to add different shit after people crashed through the side or something. At one point, I swore it looked like it was just straight up missing a giant chunk of the deck. I could feel my legs getting rubbery already. By the time we get on the bridge I'm begging to turn back. But we press on. The rise is steep and seems to keep going and going but you have to look straight ahead, because the span is so damn narrow that if you look to your side, you can see straight over the edge. Fortunately, when you get to the top you have the deck truss to make you think you have less of a chance of getting blown over the side. At least there's that. By the time we reached the other side, I could start feeling my limbs again and stopped hyperventilating. As a New Yorker, I've been on all the scary bridges we've got: Tappan Zee, Goethals, Pulaski Skyway, you name it, I've driven on it. But this bridge takes it to another level, a terrifying, nightmarish, hair-raising, feel-like-you're-about-to-plummet-a-thousand-feet-to-your-death level. It will be a good day for everyone when this bridge gets de-commissioned, dynamited and sold for scrap.

The bridge is beautiful during the day. I prefer being a passenger rather than driving over it. It is a bit tedious with drivers who aren't always careful. The toll going into the bridge is $4. They only take cash. If you don't have cash, you are sent a $6 bill.

This bridge is a great step back into time for folks who love the good old fashion road trip. This bridge looks every bit like the highway infrastructure we had back in 1970... Even though I wasn't alive then, I still see a ton of roads today that were, including Bay Bridge! At over 4 miles and usually traveling in moderate traffic, you're bound to wonder if you'll ever see the other side of the coast! My average speed on the bridge is usually 40MPH in fair weather, so you can expect at least 6-10 minutes of stunning views of the suspension span and the Chesapeake bay on all sides of you. Don't try and speed or rush off this bridge; you're only making it dangerous for yourself and others; plus it's just not nice. Not to mention that you'd be missing out on some of the most prominent beauty in Maryland! I've heard rumors that the bay bridge toll will be decreasing from $5.40 round trip to $2.25 round trip staring July 1st! I think you need an easy tag for that sweet discount. Happy driving!

Hahaha how do I rate the bridge? Architecturally sound...check. At least it didn't break while we drove over it! Thank god! Seriously though this bridge freaks me out! It's so long! The first time I drove over it I tried to hold my breath until it was over...obviously I didn't make it! My mother in-law once told me there are volunteers available to drive your car over if your too scared...I've never seen them. Maybe, she was kidding, who knows

The bay bridge is actually two bridges. Under many conditions, they run two-way traffic on the same span (and one-way traffic in the prevailing direction on the other one), with cars going fifty miles and hour almost directly at each other and no divider between them and no shoulder. It's amazing there aren't more accidents, but there have been some bad ones. As impressive a feat of engineering as it is, the bridge needs to be expanded to avoid this scenario (and to accommodate the inevitable population growth and traffic). It is, however, the only way to get across the bay, and thus an access point to a variety of very nice places that otherwise would be completely isolated. I never drive on it during peak hours. Off-peak, it isn't a bad drive, and you do get some nice views. I never had any issues paying the toll in cash, but if I were going through with any kind of regularity the EZ pass would be essential.

This bridge means you've left the city and are on your way to some fun in the sun. Yes there will be idiots who can't read the easy pay verses cash signs and will try to back up and enter your lane without care of major horn honking and slowing down everyone else. Yes, there are many many popo at the beginning and end of bridge hiding out just waiting for a reason to pull you over. Yes you must pay 6$ to cross and sometimes wait in line for a while. But who cares about all that. This bridge means that the boardwalk, dolphin watching, thrashers fries with malt vinegar, fractured prune donuts, fishers popcorn and all the other glorious Ocean City spots are fast approaching. Roll down your windows, breathe in that first sniff of sea air and enjoy the Eastern shore ride to the beach. Forget about all the lane crashing idiots or those who didn't realize there was a toll and have to scavenger around in their car looking for 6$ worth of change making you wait. Be in a vacation kind of mind and let all that pass. You are almost there. Stay alert for hidden cop cars and know that once you get over this bridge your vacation is the next stop.

Nice view of the bay but the $7 toll is annoying so if you have an EZ Pass make your life MUCH easier and get in the EZ Pass lanes to avoid a major headache at the cash toll lanes. This bridge has low guard rails in parts and feels almost unfinished compared to the bridges in Florida so be prepared for that. Oh and don't speed and pass people like a jackass on here, that won't end well for anyone! Relax, enjoy the view, and know you don't have to pay a toll going back towards DC.

A great pair of bridges that are well taken care of and maintained. When You are cruising on down the Chesapeake Bay on the Carnival Pride from Baltimore the bridges look pretty spectacular. From a distance it looks like the decks were built on top of each other but in reality, they are not. On routes 50 and 301 traffic can get pretty backed up during the summer as people are going on over to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland. but

Beautiful view. A little scary at first but I love the view. I hear that the bridge can be dangerous at times. But it wasn't bad the times that I went on it. Beautiful view. Some good and some bad restaurants on the other side of the bridge.

Nice bridge. Always a nervous tingle for me when going over it. No room for error at all. Flat tire? Emergency? Sorry. No room for any of that. The sides of the bridge, in places, are just concrete jersey walls. Nice view...if you're a passenger.

Always an adventure to cross the bridge as you never know what to expect, traffic wise...or wind wise. On a perfect day during the perfect time it is a beautiful place to be at. The boats are all over the place and there is a park right there with a sandy beach.

Traffic, traffic, traffic. One lane switched. OC here they come. Traffic never stops. Smooth sailing anyway

Reviewing a Bridge?! Seriously?! Well its not in the same category as the Golden Gate Bridge but the Chesapeake Bay Bridge does provide a swift route to the Maryland Eastern barring an accident or high wind conditions. As with other reviewers, I bypassed the long lines by flashing my trusty EZ Pass at the toll gate using the far left lane (headed east bound). However, during this particular Saturday, the far left lane was going "AGAINST" the west bound traffic on the opposite bridge. With no solid barrier, I was driving the speed limit (55 mph) against traffic, on the bridge! After finally crossing the bridge and merging onto the east bound traffic lanes, I breathed a sigh of relief knowing that I survived the CB Bridge while driving against traffic. But in all seriousness, everyone should consider driving the speed limit with a higher state of alertness especially after a woman survived when her car plunged off the bridge after being hit by a tractor-trailer. In summary, as a Yelp Public Safety announcement / review, always drive cautiously on a bridge and if you have a moment, write the NTSB demanding safety reviews for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge be re-evaluated immediately! https://midatlantic.aaa.com/PGA/NewsReleases National Transportation Safety Board 490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20594

Our gateway to the Eastern Shore... I can't imagine how things were before the bay bridge. Waiting in long lines for a car ferry... that trip must have taken 45 minutes each way! The span built only had two lanes, the second three, and thankfully the Maryland Transportation Authority has been smart enough to allow two way traffic on the spans depending on the day and season to allow for the easiest flow of traffic. The reason I give it 4 stars is because the current bridges have outgrown the amount of cars that use it in the summer. I think a new bridge should be considered at the bay passed Waldorf and it could link to 50 at Cambridge. With that one serving DC and points south and the current bridge serving the burbs north of the city, traffic would flow much smoother! Total span is 4 miles, on clear days you can even see downtown Baltimore in the distance. I love driving over the Bay Bridge, it's nostalgic and affirms that I'm no longer in the Metro Area once crossed... of course it affirms that I'm back when I cross it to come home. If you've never gone, it's $2.50 round trip and payment is collected in the eastbound direction. (When I was kid, you used to pay coming and going). The Queenstown Outlets are about 10 miles from the end of the eastbound span, so if for no other reason, check the bridge out and go shopping. There's a bunch of tidbits and cool stuff about the bridge on their website. It will also tell you about the once a year bridge walk. Maybe that will be future Yelp event!

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is beautiful and provides an unbelievable scenic view of the Chesapeake Bay. It always serves as a highlight on a trip through the Eastern shore of Maryland as an alternate route (by-pass) around Baltimore when traveling north or south on Interstate-95. The toll road is able to switch the direction of some of its lanes to facilitate heavy traffic flow. This seems to be effective and a lot speedier than the Baltimore route during rush hours, construction backups, and/or accidents.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Yeah right. You certainly can't cross it BEFORE you come to it. I crossed this bridge most recently 08/30/12 and 09/01/12. But I could have FTRd this bridge because I've been back and forth over it and under it (in my dad's boat) tons of other times. I love this thing when it's smooth sailing. When a lane is shut down or it's a holiday weekend, it can be a nightmare. Tips: get an EZ pass, go to the bathroom BEFORE you get on the bridge, and pack your patience whether the traffic is backed up or not (you're likely to get stuck behind some bridge-phobic slow driver). Other than that, you should be good to go.

Blah! There is nothing good about this bridge other than the fact that it connects the shores of the bay. It gets brutally congested during the beach season and frankly, the height and length freaks me the heck out! Still, it's part of life for mainland-Marylanders that can't stay off the Eastern Shore.

Use your ezpass for quick easy on and off access. While on the bridge enjoy the beautiful water and scenery and pray it doesn't collapse or anyone gets into an accident