ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 13, 2025 — The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will temporarily close the on-ramp from Oceanic Drive (Exit 32) to eastbound US 50/US 301 (John Hanson Highway) near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge starting Friday, May 16, to improve traffic flow and safety during peak summer travel in Anne Arundel County’s Broadneck Peninsula. The closures, part of a recurring ramp management project, will occur weekly from 10 a.m. Fridays to 6 p.m. Saturdays through August 30.
During these closures, drivers seeking to access eastbound US 50/US 301 must use alternative entry points at Exit 29 (MD 179 at Busch’s Frontage Road) or Exit 30 (Whitehall Road). Those on service roads will also need to travel to these exits to enter the highway. Detour signs and portable variable message signs will guide drivers along connecting.
The State Highway Administration will monitor traffic throughout the closure period and adjust operations as needed to minimize disruptions. More details on the project are available at roads.maryland.gov. Drivers can contact the State Highway Administration District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603 for questions.
This marks the fourth year of the Broadneck Peninsula Ramp Management Project, which aims to ease congestion during the busy summer season. The initiative is separate from the 2025 Queen Anne’s County ramp management program on Kent Island, with details available at roads.maryland.gov.
Travelers are urged to plan ahead, as the closures may impact weekend trips to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and surrounding areas. Real-time traffic updates, lane closure information, and weather-related incidents can be accessed at md511.maryland.gov. A list of major State Highway Administration projects is available at roads.maryland.gov.
The Broadneck Peninsula, located in Anne Arundel County, is a key access point to US 50/US 301, a major route for travelers heading to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and coastal destinations. The ramp management project began in 2022 to address congestion during peak travel times, particularly on weekends when tourist traffic spikes. By temporarily closing the Oceanic Drive on-ramp, the State Highway Administration aims to streamline highway access and reduce backups at Exit 32, which can delay commuters and visitors alike. The agency has refined the strategy over the past three years, using traffic data to balance accessibility and flow.
Drivers should note that the closures are scheduled to avoid weekday rush hours, targeting periods of high recreational travel. The State Highway Administration encourages using the designated detours at Exits 29 and 30 to maintain safety and efficiency. The agency’s ongoing monitoring will ensure adjustments are made if unexpected traffic patterns emerge, such as during holidays or events that draw larger crowds to the region.
