Chesapeake Bay Bridge

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is best experienced by driving over it, for those willing to brave the long, tall, and narrow expanse with limited shoulders and low guardrails. Opt for a drive-across service to sit back and enjoy the views while crossing the bridge. It’s also possible to walk or run across the bridge during the annual 10k Bay Bridge Run. Boat and kayak tours offer views of the bridge from the water.

• The Chesapeake Bay Bridge has a one-way toll heading eastbound, which is collected electronically.

• While traffic generally moves in one direction on each span, that can change during periods of heavy congestion.

• There’s also a Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which connects Delaware and the eastern shore of Virginia.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is located in Maryland; the western entrance is at Sandy Point and the eastern entrance is at Stevensville. Take and stay on US-50/301 to cross the bridge. Nervous drivers with a fear of heights or bridges may want to avoid crossing this bridge and private drive-over services are available.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is open around the clock, barring extreme weather or accidents. It can be heavily congested during the weekday rush hour traffic and summertime weekend beach traffic. If possible, time your drive for a calm and clear day with low winds. Once a year, it’s also possible to walk or run across the bridge; check the schedule for the Bay Bridge Run for the timing.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is actually two bridges. The bridge opened as a single span bridge in 1952, and was the world’s largest continuous over-water steel structure at the time; a second bridge was added in 1973. Standing 186 feet (57 meters) tall, more than 27 million vehicles cross it every year.