Ugh. I think there's a question of real utility in using the VMS system to warn of bay bridge backups. Where, exactly, do you post those alerts? Along I-70? I-83? Up and down I-95 from Cecil County all the way to PG County, and even into VA? Each of those roadways has their host of issues to alert travellers to. "Accident at Exit 74, 3 right lanes closed" "Construction on 895 Expect Major Delays Use 695 E as Alt"

Do it too far away from "the Bridge" and it could be meaningless to many travelers. Do it too close to "the Bridge," and folks who might have taken an alternate route if they'd known earlier will curse the State in frustration but stick with the current drive plan because they think they'd lose too much time backtracking. Where are those points, exactly???

I think the VMA system is a loser of an idea, but the State *could* venture into the text messaging territory. Set up a MdTA website where folks enter there mobile phone numbers and expected days and time of travel, and the system sends real-time alerts on road conditions before the planned starting time of the trip and as major delays develop.

Should also say it's nice that the toll portion of I-95 was clear, but I-95 is a crap shoot any day of the week. One little fender bender sets off significant back ups, and if you're lucky, you're able to detour around it on Rt 1 or on Rt 7 or Rt 40 - most interstate travelers don't know how to get to the parallel routes. Should also say that it's wonderful if I-95 in MD is clear, but the roads in Delaware often are no picnic either. BTW, the service plaza on the Del. Tpke is closing soon for a complete reconsturction, so expect more people on the side roads looking for a rest. Rt 1 near Rehoboth? I'll pass. US 113 not usually so bad., but in either case, you'll have plenty of company with travelers from PA, NJ, and NY.

Knowing before you go is the best you can hope for, because otherwise you may just be trading one bad option for another.

Hey one last thing, when are you gonna start preaching about alternate routes to/from Deep Creek Lake? Try taking I-70 back towards Baltimore/DC from DCL and PA after a holiday and prepare to sit in traffic every bit as bad but without the toll and without the bridges.

COMMENT: This is a great post that really adds to the back-and-forth on this issue. More information about backups on the return from Deep Creek would be appreciated. Where on I-70 are the bottlenecks?

In I-95 and the Delaware roads, I have no illusions that they're blissful at peak times, but at least there are bail-out routes such as U.S. 113, U.S. 40 and MD 7 to escape to. On the Bay Bridge, there is no Plan B.

I hope Pete can email me at gettingthere@baltsun.com so we can continue this exchange. Any reaser with more specific information about the pitfalls of the northern route are encouraged to weigh in.