BALTIMORE, MD – With fuel prices remaining steady, hundreds of thousands of Marylanders will begin saying goodbye to summer by traveling throughout the state for the Labor Day weekend.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is suspending non-emergency lane closures until Tuesday, September 3, to help traffic move smoothly on area roadways during the long weekend.

MDOT SHA is also adding additional patrols to key locations to help expedite lane openings following disabled vehicles, crashes, or debris in the roadway.

Motorists are urged to “Leave Early and Stay Late” to help reduce congestion, especially on Eastern Shore routes.

As the weekend comes to an end, drivers returning from the Atlantic Coast beaches are urged to remain on US 50 (Ocean Gateway) and not detour off onto smaller roads.

US 50 is designed for higher traffic volumes; the local roads are not and quickly become gridlocked.

As a reminder, most area schools are back in session on Tuesday, September 3rd. Don’t forget to “Look Up and Look Out” for pedestrians and bicyclists as almost 900,000 students statewide return to school.

Should a mechanical breakdown occur, motorists are urged to pull as far to the shoulder as possible, remain in the vehicle, and dial #77 or call 9-1-1.