Ocean City is buzzing with excitement as the Oceans Calling Festival approaches and traffic changes are coming! To ensure smooth traffic flow and prioritize the safety of festival-goers and residents, the Ocean City Police Department will be implementing some changes to the usual traffic patterns.
Key Traffic Changes to Expect:
Evening Restrictions:
Starting around 8 p.m. each night of the festival (September 27-29), traffic will be prohibited south of N. Division Street.
Route 50 Bridge:
The southbound turn lane off the US Route 50 bridge onto Philadelphia Avenue will be limited to emergency vehicles, mass transit, and residents only.
Detours:
Vehicles heading south will be redirected onto N. Division Street and then north on Baltimore Avenue.Southbound traffic on St. Louis Avenue will be restricted to emergency vehicles, residents, employees, and downtown patrons, with other traffic directed towards 2nd Street and then Philadelphia Avenue.
Baltimore Avenue Lane Reductions:
Northbound traffic on Baltimore Avenue between S. Division Street and Talbot Street will be reduced to one lane for vehicles. The middle lane will be used for mass transit staging, and the right lane will serve as a safety lane.
Why These Changes?
These traffic modifications are designed to facilitate the movement of mass transit vehicles and pedestrians leaving the festival area each night.
OC Beach Bus Updates:
The OC Beach Bus will be operating on a reduced-stop, express service schedule to help with crowd movement. Some stops will be temporarily inactive, but riders needing special mobility assistance can arrange pickups by calling Dispatch at (410) 723-1606. For a map of active bus stops and additional travel information, please visit:https://support.oceanscallingfestival.com/hc/en-us/articles/9503497176084-How-do-I-get-to-the-festival
Remember:
- Pedestrian Safety: Always cross at marked crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and use sidewalks.
- Biking Safety: Utilize designated bike lanes, obey traffic signals, and ride with the flow of traffic.
- Driving Safety: Be extra cautious, reduce speed, stay alert, and never drive under the influence.
Let’s all work together to make the Oceans Calling Festival a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!
