Maryland

Getting Away for Labor Day? Here's When Traffic Is Expected to Be Worst

Sen. John McCain's burial and a football game will add to the congestion

If you're leaving town for Labor Day weekend, now's the time to start thinking about your drive.

In Maryland, the area near FedEx Field may be especially packed on Saturday because of a football game. 

Major routes in Maryland, including Route 50, MD-70, are expected to be especially busy on Sunday because of Sen. John McCain's burial in Annapolis

AAA Mid-Atlantic advises staying off the roads until 7 p.m. on Friday and after noon on Saturday.

If you're heading to the beach and planning to take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Maryland Transportation Authority has recommendations on the best times to leave. Travel off-peak if you can.

On Saturday, try before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. On Sunday, before 8 a.m. or after midnight is best. And on Labor Day, try before 10 a.m. or after midnight.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has an interactive map that shows historic travel trends over the holiday weekend. Users can select the time they expect to be on the roads.

If you're driving in Virginia, real-time traffic information is available in the VDOT 511 app, on 511Virginia.org or by calling 511.

The Virginia DMV is reminding drivers not to drive drunk. Last Labor Day weekend, there were 703 alcohol-related injuries on roads in the state.

Before hitting the road, AAA advises that you have your battery tested, look for engine coolant leaks and check the condition of your tires. Be prepared with a cellphone and charger, a flashlight, a tool kit, water and snacks.

Stay with News4 for real-time traffic info. You can see road conditions here.

CORRECTION (Aug. 30, 3:30 p.m.): An earlier version of this story contained inaccurate information on McCain's memorial events. 

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