What to know about traffic, parking during Sunday’s Bay Bridge Run

In front, from left, Meghan Bandura, of Arnold, Debra Kemplin, of Pasadena, Tresa Nelms, of Ellicott City, and Karen Cammack, of Baltimore, participate in 2023’s Bay Bridge Run, a 10K run/walk course across the eastbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis to Kent Island. staff FILE

Runners, joggers and walkers alike will take to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Sunday for the Bay Bridge Run, an annual 10k. Here’s what to know about navigating traffic in the area during the day.

Thousands of participants will start the race at Northrop Grumman on Oceanic Drive in Annapolis between 7 a.m., and 9 a.m., crossing the Bay Bridge, Pier One Road and Route 8 on Kent Island before finishing at the Chesapeake Bay Business Park in Stevensville.

Runners and walkers will use the eastbound span of the Bay Bridge, which will be closed from 12:01 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

All traffic heading east to the Eastern Shore or west to Annapolis and beyond will travel on the three-lane westbound span.

One lane of traffic will operate in each direction on the westbound span, the Maryland Transportation Authority said in a news release Monday. The center lane will be closed to traffic, though it may open intermittently to reduce westbound delays.

On Kent Island, the off-ramp from eastbound Route 50 to Route 8 will be closed. Drivers will be directed to the next exit at Thompson Creek Road.

In addition, the on-ramp from Route 8 to westbound Route 50 will be closed. Drivers will be sent to Route 18 to the roundabout at Castle Marina Road to access the highway. Residents trying to travel west on Route 50 should approach the highway from Duke Street or Castle Marina Road.

Significant delays are expected throughout the day, the MTA said, with drivers being urged to travel before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

On the western shore, spectators and participants can park at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville or Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold. Organizers expect traffic congestion at the fairgrounds, according to the race’s runner information packet.

No parking is available at the start or finish areas and spectators are not allowed at the start line. Shuttles for fans will be available at the fairgrounds, the community college and Matapeake Elementary and Middle School in Stevensville.

For more information on the race and parking information, go to thebaybridgerun.com.

Have a news tip? Contact Natalie Jones at [e-mail], 443-679-7818 and x.com/nataliemjones.