The car is packed like a sardine can. Kids are growing restless by the second. Before you can check to make sure the coffee maker is off, the family is in the car and ready for the annual pilgrimage to the ocean. As the kids begin honking the horn, you quickly turn on the TV and computer. While the computer warms up, the local TV station is showing real-time traffic conditions at the Bay Bridge. From various camera shots, you can see traffic is moving well with only minor backups. Just to be sure, you log into www.chart.state.md.us. Through this internet site, you know you can access the State’s three new Bay Bridge traffic cameras. Yep, traffic is heavy, but it’s moving. As you run out the front door — forgetting to turn off the TV and computer — you think to yourself, life is good.

Continuing his efforts to use the latest technology to make life a little easier for Maryland citizens, Governor Parris N. Glendening has announced that three new Bay Bridge traffic cameras will go on-line via TV and the internet.

"More than 23 million motorists traveled across the bridge last year," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "With these new Bay Bridge cameras now on-line, Marylanders will be able to get a sneak preview of existing traffic conditions—real time and on line—to make it easier for them to reach their destinations with less hassle and to avoid delays."

The new cameras are located on the westside of the Bay Bridge near the toll plaza and on the eastside at the MD 8 overpass in Stevensville. An additional camera is located along US 50 at the MD 2 interchange near Annapolis. The cameras will provide live video images of current traffic conditions at the bridge and along US 50 leading up to the bridge. The images will be provided to the media and posted on the website during the summer weekends starting Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The cameras complement the State’s established summer weekend-traffic plan. The plan includes:

• Providing additional Emergency Traffic Patrols to assist motorists in distress;
• Positioning traffic-signal technicians at key locations to monitor and adjust traffic-signal timing as necessary;
• Programming electronic roadside signs and radio messages (1610, 1630, 1290 AM) to inform motorists of accidents, delays and detours; and
• Adding police patrols along major highways and at the Bay Bridge.

During summer weekends, the State advises motorists to travel during the following off-peak periods:

• Eastbound: Between 10 p.m. Friday evening and 8 a.m. Saturday morning, Between 7 p.m. Saturday evening and 12 noon Sunday
• Westbound: Between 7 p.m. Saturday evening and 12 noon Sunday, After 11 p.m. Sunday evening

Don’t forget to turn on your TV or log onto www.chart.state.md.us before you hit the road this weekend.