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For Immediate Release:

**REMINDER**

BICYCLE ACCESS ON HATEM BRIDGE BEGINS JULY 1

Share thh Bridge & Cross with Care

Bikes Allowed Weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. & Weekends Dawn to Dusk

June 10, 2017

BALTIMORE, MD – As announced in February by Transportation Secretary and Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Chairman Pete K. Rahn, bicyclists will be allowed to cross the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) starting Friday, July 1. State transportation officials are urging bicyclists and motorists to Share the Bridge and Cross with Care.

Bicyclists will be allowed to cross the bridge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from dawn to dusk Saturday, Sunday and state holidays. Prior to crossing the bridge, bicyclists push a button to activate flashing warning lights that alert drivers when a bicyclist is crossing the bridge. The lights will flash for 10 to 15 minutes, providing the bicyclist time to safely cross the bridge.

Bicyclists must ride in the direction of traffic and should position themselves in the center of the right lane. Motorists are encouraged to use the left lane when warning lights are flashing.

Trucks over five tons still must use the right lane but may use the left lane to safely pass bicycles. When the right lane on the bridge is closed for maintenance and construction, motorists and bicyclists will share the open left lane. Bicyclists traveling eastbound will pay the $8 two-axle toll in the far right toll lane (cash and E-ZPass accepted).

Bicycle Access Restrictions

• Bicyclists must be 18 years of age or older OR have a valid driver’s license.

• Bicyclists are encouraged to ride single file and follow all rules of the road.

• Bicyclists are not permitted to stop while crossing the bridge.

• Pedestrians, skateboards, scooters and skates are not permitted.

• When bicycle access is restricted in the event of fog, wind, other inclement weather or incident, notification will be made via variable message signs and on MDTA’s Twitter account at twitter.com/TheMDTA.

Note: Cyclists not wishing to cross the bridge by bicycle may still use a taxi or local bus service (weekdays only) to cross the bridge.

The Hatem Bridge is the oldest of the MDTA’s toll facilities. The 1.3-mile, four-lane bridge opened in August 1940. The posted speed limit on the Hatem Bridge is 45 mph.

For real-time updates on major incidents follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA. Find us at mdta.maryland.gov and on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA.

Media Contact: John Sales 410-537-1017

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