Motorists using the Bay Bridge this holiday season will experience the latest phase of an innovative project designed to improve safety and accelerate the process of opening and closing lanes on the bridge. Starting December 20, drivers on westbound US 50/301 approaching the Bay Bridge from the Eastern Shore will be among the first to witness use of the new gates as part of the Automated Lane Closure System (ALCS) that will replace the existing, time consuming use of barrels to close off lanes.

ALCS uses horizontal swing gates, illuminated pavement markers, full-color dynamic message signs and overhead lane-use control signals to alert and guide motorists when lanes are opening and closing to accommodate two-way traffic operations on the westbound span.

MDTA began to implement the system in November, when new overhead lane-use control signals and full-color dynamic message signs – a first in Maryland – became available on the Eastern Shore. Starting 1.5 miles before the westbound span, these devices give drivers more notice than ever before of bridge lane closures ahead.

This month, additional portions of the system are being rolled out on the Eastern Shore side of the bridge. To help drivers get used to this new system, the horizontal swing gates and illuminated pavement markers are being phased in.