A multi-vehicle crash closed all westbound lanes of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge during the afternoon of July 4, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).
All lanes reopened at 2:20 p.m. after a crash involving entrapment was reported around 11:45 a.m.
According to MDTA Police, a passenger lane vehicle driving in the eastbound lane swerved into the westbound lane and crashed into a tractor-trailer.
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, first responders and a medivac helicopter responded to the scene and took the driver of the passenger lane vehicle to Shock Trauma in Baltimore with serious injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
All eastbound lanes remained open, though drivers were told to expect delays.
Cameras pointed toward the bridge showed traffic at a standstill during the emergency response.
Maryland Transportation Authority 
Fourth of July holiday travel
The road closure came as some Maryland residents and visitors were traveling for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
MDTA said the best times to travel across the Bay Bridge on July 4 would be before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. if you’re heading eastbound, and before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. if you’re heading westbound.
In sharing safety reminders for travelers, the MDTA said a majority of the collisions they see on the bridge are rear-end collisions. Officials said crashes or car breakdowns can cause miles of delays.
According to data from INRIX, July 6 will be one of the busiest days on the road, with increased congestion expected during the afternoon.
