Driving on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (Is this the scariest bridge in America?)

[@catherine4406]

Oh, my god -- I drove this on Wednesday. By myself. I had NO IDEA what I was driving onto! Being in the right lane of that old span, with clear views of the water through that rickety railing, and seeing the other bridge out of the corner of my eye to my right was bad enough. But TRACTOR TRAILERS and other vehicles were ONCOMING with no cement divider or anything. No shoulder. About 4:12 on your video is when I was gripping the steering wheel so hard it's a wonder I could pry my hands off it on the other side.

[@ImTheMan78]

Yes that's the part that really does it for me. When I see videos of the westbound Bridge just looking at it makes Goosebumps break out on me. How can people be comfortable riding something that high and long where you can see right through the railing?

[@catherine4406]

@@ImTheMan78 Right?!? It’s nuts!

[@TKO67]

Deuteronomy 5:11

[@davidallen6333]

Sure is a bumpy ride all those expansion joints !

[@sabrinacamp6346]

if you haven't cross it yet it won't seem scary but I have crossed that bridge and it takes so long to get across and it's really high up I have have a feeling everytime I go on that bridge that it's gonna fall. I pray every time I go on that bridge.

[@KennethDAstonJr]

Then go another way!

[@glorious1.070]

@@KennethDAstonJr is there another way?

[@ssmith7325]

@@glorious1.070 , my colleagues told me there's another way, but.... Depending on where you're driving from, it'll add another hour or so onto your travel time. So we say screw it, and drive across the bridge. 🍸

[@AyAyRon666]

@Javion Alan yeah you right we don’t

[@kazeryu17]

If you think that's scary, try crossing the HRBT during quitting time, in the middle of summer, with no AC, and nothing to drink. You will start getting tunnel vision before you even get to the tunnel.

[@schmedrake5429]

Screw all these armchair quarterbacks, it's a terrifying drive. Especially when you're doing the two-way traffic thing. And the weather is rarely ideal there. Just looking at your video makes me anxious. I've never hired one of those drivers before, but I've thought of it. Any bridge that people can earn a living driving people across is scary.

[@saifonica]

I'm not even scared of cause I'm super used to it but I don't blame you it is a little scary

[@jokeontweak]

I go across it all the time

[@kaitlyn.7624]

I’m used to it

[@noahthenoah19]

Not

[@zacharyalonzo6164]

i guess im asking randomly but does anybody know a method to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid lost my password. I love any help you can offer me!

[@mdyankee55]

I drive over this bridge (and back) several times a month. I know quite a number of people who Do Not Like This Bridge At All, and I can see why. There are a lot of accidents because some people just drive too fast, which ties up the bridge for hours and creates huge backups. Driving across in a storm is no fun, either; the visibility can get to be very poor. They will restrict travel to non-empty trailers (or cars only) if the wind conditions get back enough. I also don't like the side rails on the span shown here, since somehow they just don't look like they're strong enough to hold you back in case you hit them; there have been a number of semi's that have been shown on the news hanging over the edge after an accident. I'm pretty much okay with driving over the bridge myself, but since I have other driving experiences that make me anxious (steep grades), I certainly wouldn't blame other people for feeling anxious driving over the Bay Bridge.

[@mattywanders]

That bridge looks like it could be a gnarly drive, especially in stormy weather and windy days.

[@GoldNargacuga]

I drove over this bridge during a really bad storm. Rained so hard couldn't even see 5 ft in front of me. Stuffs scary.

[@adriano10123]

I haven't been on this bridge in a while, but back in the day, one side was for going to the eastern shore and the other side was coming back.

[@sswalker1980]

The crazy part is that there is no barrier between oncoming traffic :/

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

++ Soriya Walker++ If you are unable to cope with other rod users you should not be driving on the road at all.

[@keeganharris186]

have you never been on a two lane highway

[@DTD110865]

Normally, there doesn't have to be one because eastbound and westbound traffic drives on separate bridges.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

You definitely want to be in an SUV or Truck. There is no shoulder, if another vehicle goes left a center you are in trouble. It’s really scary with two way traffic on the old span.

[@kazeryu17]

My neighborhood street doesn't have enough room for two cars to pass eachother, and is heavily traveled by uninsured drivers, and drug lords. That bridge don't scare me one bit.

[@VaShores]

you cannot understand the fear until you actually are on that bridge

[@ericdavis6261]

EXACTLY!👍💯

[@marksaunderssr.2294]

So true and the video doesn't capture the full experience as a driver because you're not feeling the movement of the vehicle and having to control the vehicle. I hate it! I pay for a driver whenever I'm up that way.

[@jmill3147]

Dont forget, the road itself seems to want to pull you to this sides. Especially on the span shown here.

[@robtman9199]

I have been commuting over this bridge for 10 years, only thing scary are the other drivers. It is awesome at night during a thunderstorm.

[@kaitlyn.7624]

I completely agree I’ve lived my whole life here and the bay bridge doesn’t bother me one bit😂

[@greggmc2]

I went across a couple days ago. The side barriers are cement now. My first trip over in 10 years

[@mdyankee55]

The side barriers are cement on the east-bound span. What you are seeing here is the west-bound span (with two-way traffic), and the sides are still these open-rail fence-like things.

[@19AGJ86]

I drove across it in Jan 2017 at night during the snow storm. I can definitely see how it can scare people, especially at night, that black water can look pretty menacing. Somebody died by driving off of it last year too.

[@naturalbeauty1985]

A J omggg 😳😔

[@jhoneral3803]

Hello, I have family in Bowie, Md and Woodbridge, Va. I usually take this bridge then stay on rt. 50 to link up to 495 to go on to Va. The two-way traffic on the westbound side is tricky, sometimes you get two-way on the eastbound side (now that IS gnarly). The biggest challenge are the OTHER DRIVERS.

[@Mittentravel]

Mackinaw Bridge when you're forced to drive on the metal grates.

[@alyssayeager6124]

Yes I absolutely hate this bridge, I live in Maryland so it’s a tradition for my family to go to ocean city MD and you have to cross this bridge and it’s scary for me because it’s not safe because there’s barely anything on the sides of the bridge like bars and all so if it’s bad weather or even the slightest bit of wind you could just swerve off of the bridge and also I have a really bad fear of oceans and there’s a ocean underneath of it and I also have a bad fear of heights so I don’t like this bridge one bit

[@001honeydip]

I'm literally practicing my deep breathing skills as I watch this video. I've lived in Maryland my entire life and never had the guts to cross this bridge

[@euriekim4716]

ah the nostalgia of crossing the bridge! i’ll be crossing it 2 weeks from now!

[@chelseag6252]

This bridge takes so long to get across, and it’s super slimy lanes… just gives me all kinds of anxiety lol. My first time on it I was on a Charter bus which is worst!

[@kelsey59]

The only time I got a little tense driving across it was during a high wind warning and they were only allowing cars across.

[@1stGeorgiaGirl]

With the deaths of 7 construction workers and 9 deaths due to traffic accidents that makes the bridge dangerous. So folks are right to be afraid of it.

[@xxzannaxx2793]

Lol I’m going there today on my road trip. I love going across that bridge

[@mars-rq7ym]

My mom is from Baltimore and every summer we go to Baltimore to visit her family and then after we visit her family we go to ocean city and we have to cross this bridge there and back. My mom and her brother are scared of it. Especially my mom. She has only drove over it once and was so scared.

[@helenrodriguez775]

mars yeah im Going August 19

[@aaronhumphrey3514]

As someone who has driven on all kinds of precarious mountain roads this looks like nothing.

[@xXBuckOFiveXx]

AHHH!!! I hate the sound of parts rattling in my van!!

[@chrisbarr959]

I've Been across this and the Mackinac bridge this one is blast to drive across especially at night when no one is on it . Driving across the mackinac bridge your driving over grates and you can look straight down 200 ft , cars have been known to be blown off of it from underneath

[@ltmundy5859]

Chris Barr: Labor Day bridgewalk.

[@eddietavaresjr.4773]

It must just like a rollercoaster ride up and down or am i wrong.

[@1stGeorgiaGirl]

The Rainbow Bridge near Port Arthur Texas is straight up and down. That one reminds me of being in the front seat of a rollercoaster ride. I still have dreams about that bridge even though I haven't crossed it in about 4 years.

[@justinchapman1967]

Been over it so many times that it's not such a big deal in a car. Winds can certainly change the experience. Been over it a few times on a motorcycle and it's nerve racking every time. I'd rather get run over then go over the side.

[@celesteschoolcraft691]

Nooooo not scary as long as you drive damn it. Freaking people hitting their breaks and all that annoy the hell out of me.

[@billladson2511]

I hate that bridge. I had my easy pass and did that exact same lane only to find out OH NO! No room for error. It messed me up on a lot of bridges after that. I am a Philly native that lives in NJ. I won't do Walt Whitman Bridge after Bay Bridge. Ben Franklin or nothing. Surprisingly, the Bay Bridge Tunnel is much easier not as high above the water. No room for error in the tunnels.

[@jmill3147]

Yep, I never had fear of bridges until I encountered this stupid bridge. Much like you it messed me up big time on bridges.

[@Victor-lh3ph]

The side rails look weak. There is a relief when getting to the part of the bridge that is not as high above the water.

[@peaceful4you408]

I don’t think it’s the scariest bridge but That bridge is terrifying for sure. I live in San Francisco and drive across it to see family and it was literally the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced.

[@julesy3372]

I cross it all the time it may look scary but it isn't as long as you don't hit the breaks.

[@michaelcorleone9930]

Speed limit 40. You're speed 47. That's right get the heck across that bridge lol

[@Azerlin]

This bridge doesn't look that bad to cross at all

[@robertclark4929]

Wheres the scary part?

[@rwboa22]

Robert Clark, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge has no shoulders, with a reversible third lane on the newer span, plus open-air side rails.

[@andyjay729]

I guess I could see that constant clanking sound as kinda scary.

[@All_that_glitters_]

andyjay729 that was something in his car & not the bridge

[@trinity2387]

i’ve been driving across this bridge my whole life, and i’ve never been scared of it.

[@traviseastwood]

Trinity Prince calm down

[@ImTheMan78]

😂😂😂

[@marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938]

Been on this bridge a number of times, long as you don't drive like an asshole, you're perfectly fine...🤔🤨🤷‍♂️ problem is, you also depend on other people not to drive like assholes either...🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️ regrettably, that is a tall order. Few years ago, stuck for 5 hours...:-/

[@saifonica]

If you look to the last minute stop it's Sandy point state park I know it cause I be been there 3 times I live in mary land so I've been across the bay bridge around at least 13 times

[@TonyClay893]

Is there a part 2 with the scary part. I'm confused, i know on ground city roads crazy than that

[@ProfessorSnape22]

you kidding me lol way back in 2003 I lived in VA nothing bothered me here the sound was beautiful

[@825Daryl]

my ass always pucker up going over this bridge

[@vengfullzealot]

Lololol

[@walterfink9782]

Try driving on the other one, with a similar name. It's 23 miles long and you go under water two times, other wise completely over water. It's by Virginia.

[@ianprince1698]

Surprised at the 40 limit . Driven on roads like this in England where a lane changes direction for rush hour.

[@dd92727]

Not that scary, but maybe a centre median needed to prevent drunk folks on the wrong side.

[@cjijr1972]

nothing scary at all now but I did have a panic attack on it years ago but im fine now

[@一气周流]

Why do I hear metal clinging everytime the car drives over expansion joints?

[@stillnight1035]

I've been over that bridge countless times and it isn't scary at all. Beautiful view from the top.

[@chrisfronczek1840]

I cross that bridge every day

[@All_that_glitters_]

You are brave!

[@cstevenson7770]

I thought one bridge went east and the other went west? Now traffic is going both ways on one?

[@hvacguy84]

When traffic gets heavy on the eastbound span the left lane on the westbound span is reversed to make a 3rd lane for eastbound travelers due to the eastbound span only having 2 lanes it's to prevent heavy traffic congestion but 2 way traffic can't happen during inclement weather conditions or wind restrictions at night 1 bridge is usually closed for road work usually at night the westbound span is closed and the left lane on the eastbound span is reversed to make 1 westbound lanes when the westbound span is closed same occurs on the westbound span at when the eastbound span is closed down for road work but the center is closed

[@ssga_tgbuddy3082]

Huey P Long over the Mississippi in Jefferson Parrish (part of New Orleans) is much scarier.

[@colyhope236]

This bridge is very high but it's not scary. When I was a kid there was only one bridge and you always had traffic going both ways on the bridge. Before that it was just one ferry the crossed the Chesapeake Bay and that took forever.

[@richardbudd7523]

try driving in the center lanes of the Mackinaw Bridge if you want scary. They are grates so you can look down and see Lake Michigan and Lake Huron as your driving now that's scary

[@mikehack422]

I’ve been to this bridge twice when I was 14, and when I was 30

[@MrShortWhiteGuy]

Go south on U.S. 301 to the Nyce bridge across the Potomac river. I think that one is way scarier. It's a steep grade up and back down and has signs saying "Maintain 40 M.P.H."

[@FourSeasons04]

Nope, don't like that one either. Had to drive across it during the night; hopefully, never again.

[@kazeryu17]

Try the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge. It's taller, and has switchbacks. When you get to the top, you get an unobstructed view of the horizon in all directions. It feels like the top of a roller coaster lift hill, only your the one driving. What's nice, is that there's never any traffic, because people are afraid to drive on it.

[@smittyward2973]

Where is this

[@JS9188]

Over the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Md

[@cakafella]

Its beautiful. When I was a kid we used to go over this bridge in Va on 301. That shit went straight up. you could see it for miles. The bridge on 50 in Md is high as shit too

[@cakafella]

I know the difference in the bridges. I was stationed in Norfolk or 4 years. And the Chesapeake bay bridge is over 50 miles from the bridge I was talking about which crosses the potomac from va by the Naval Warfare center to Newburg Md. Its named after Gov Harry Nice.

[@bigdawggkev]

cakafella I’ve been over that one

[@DebiSunset]

Try it on a motorcycle... and no, the Mackinaw Bridge was worse-I looked down on the clouds. And the 7 mile bridge down in the Keys was terrifying before they rebuilt it

[@momentumproductions6290]

I'd be super scared of this... it's SO tall!

[@elizabethdavis2454]

No it is not. The Bay Bridge is modern, wide and solid. Try the Irving S. Cobb bridge between Paducah Kentucky and Brookport Illinois. It is very old, 1928, very narrow, about 19.5 feet wide, open-sided and made of open grating. It also makes an almost 90 degree turn on the Illinois end. Try meeting an eighteen wheeler on that.

[@jamesanthonygreen4180]

I will admit this bridge does scare some of my family members. The same applies to U.S. 301's Potomac River Bridge between Maryland and Virginia.

[@christopherorourke6543]

The U.S.301 bridge across the Potomac River between Maryland & Virginia needs a twin span built. It is only one two lane span which it’s just too much traffic on it. I rode across it when I was on a Trailways bus from New Castle,DE going to Norfolk,Va to report for dut y aboard my first ship in Norfolk on 9/22/1972. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel was closed because a Navy barge broke loose & hit it causing damage to it.

[@leonrigdon2788]

The four lane replacement is being built now, right next to the 80 year old 2 lane bridge. Should be finished around 2024

[@rs061290]

I would love to drive this someday!!!!😃

[@rs061290]

This is the gateway to go to Ocean City MD!!!😊

[@DanielPerez-ee3wp]

Hi. There is a longer bridge in. Canada. It's 8 miles long.

[@rwboa22]

The biggest difference between the Confederation Bridge and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is the height above the water. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge at the suspension spans are 186 ft. above the water while the Confederation Bridge is 131 ft. Also, the newer three-lane span has opened railings (the older span has concrete "Jersey barrier" railings) and both spans have no shoulder. The Confederation Bridge has a shoulder despite being a two-lane bridge.

[@DanielPerez-ee3wp]

@@rwboa22 thanks

[@Zylaku]

There a bridge called the Commodore Barry bridge and it's even higher than this and doesn't scare me at all

[@alexanderclifton128]

It’s similar to the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.

[@295g295]

1:08 This lane should be cars only - No trucks, vans, or SUVs.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

You need to be in a larger vehicle for safety. It would be impossible to enforce anyway since SUVs are so popular.

[@brucewrght2164]

Back in the 70’s this is how it looked. One lane of traffic coming and going. And those semi trailers wanted all the road. Real fun at night with those lights blinding you

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

@@brucewrght2164 I drove across the old span with my Tundra. The new span was shut down so there was two way traffic on the old span. It was night and I had plenty of room with oncoming Class 8 trucks. The newer trucks are actually 6 inches wider. My worry is someone in a little car goes left of center. The big trucks use up most of their lane, but they are usually steady up against the centerline and not swerving all over the place.

[@greggmc2]

Didn't know you could go east on the westbound side

[@donavanjohnson409]

I seen so many videos of that bridge

[@iiaquatiq]

The only scary part is when it sways. But I think they close the bridge when it does.

[@davidmotter5140]

Never sways

[@lesliejude2169]

Scares me to death!

[@GreatMindRelaxation]

cool trip my friend:)

[@kempmt1]

With a little more work the sounds from those bumps could be put into a song

[@AyAyRon666]

Imagine Texans driving on this bad boy 🤠🤦🏽😂

[@dwightarnold6980]

The speed limit at the booth said 15 mph

[@cynthiarobinson1767]

It’s the clinging metal for me 😫😫😫😫😫

[@nicholelynn85]

I drive on this bridge every day for work

[@moople2]

I fail to get what’s scary about this bridge.

[@terrysaunders6479]

Just remember, thereare two bridges.

[@jordanalexander2748]

grew up there i think people are scared of the under water tunnel parts othere than that just a long bridge thats james river bridge tho

[@hvacguy84]

This is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge the Chesapeake Bay Bridge- Tunnel is in Virginia there are no tunnels on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland

[@CarolinaJackpot]

Scared the hell outta me tbh

[@zulu2G]

I lived here for 9 years..... this is an easy bridge to cross

[@Mr_Chris77]

I got 6 minutes in and was still on the edge of my seat waiting for the scary part. What a fucking rip off

[@anthonymandigo6814]

Scary? What even?

[@imacm3573]

I live near there cross it all the time not scary at all

[@ylsemza7623]

Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else wants to learn about driving anxiety attacks try Tarbetti Car Coping Tutor (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my colleague got great results with it.

[@SteveCarras]

I love to try it...near there, on "vacay", as for such bridges, I have been across several Florida causeways, not the Sunshine Skyway, though, but among them the Key ones, and Louisana's belvoed Pontchartrain in Lousiana, which takes traffic south into the Big Easy. In California over here, up north between San Mateo and Hayward on one of the pioneers of bridges that long (along with the original Florida Key ones), the San Mateo, that one is about seven and a ha;f miles. Besides that Maryland Chesapeake bridge, there is the 20+ mile long one southward, of those I haven't mentiooned, and what about the Verrazano Narros in NYC Harbor.....and over here in La La Land, Long Beach Harbor, a lower level lift bridge only about 2 miles, 500 over water, the famous Commodore Schulyer F.Heim bridge, seen in m,any movies, with its two very large green towers with the X girders. Then in San Fran eastbound to Oakland, the Okalnd Bay Bridge,with its 4-mile over water span, and the rather longer and roller coaster San Rafael upnorth on the bay., And in Michigan, the Mackinaw bridge..

[@debraisureluvjesus8714]

Imac M I agree, not that big of a deal at all.

[@tobeysze641]

It’s doesn’t look scary at all. Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver, Canada is way higher than this bridge.

[@shauncampbell2815]

Totally agree not scary at all. Now the Chesapeake bay bridge and tunnel can be a little spooky

[@terrysaunders6479]

It only scares the tourists and weekend visiters.

[@jdiwkall]

if you want to go to Ocean City from VA...this may be the only way...

[@bigred4556]

joe blow no just the shortest way

[@jamesanthonygreen6170]

That is about right with the exception of moseying towards the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.

[@LoganBohn]

It isn’t scary after you have crossed it a couple times (like me!)

[@traviseastwood]

Sway bar links bad in his vehicle

[@marykelly700]

I would be scared

[@judahisrael2233]

My first time I was scared as sh!t

[@SteveCarras]

And it’s westbound not east

[@hvacguy84]

The left lane on the westbound span is reversed when heavy traffic is eastbound the same applies at night when the westbound span closes at night the left lane on the eastbound span is reversed to make 1 westbound lane the same applies at when the eastbound span closes the left lane is open for eastbound travelers but the center lane is closed

[@nataliemccandless8616]

For the love of GOD.....there is no way Icould do that!

[@chloeisabella8838]

I’m on it right now it’s know as one of the scariest bridges in America but tbh it’s not

[@ChilesRussellTaylor]

I must have lots of money to pay the toll. As long as I keep my used fancy sport car and as long as it runs continuously! 💰💵🚗😎

[@timothyspearman9347]

Paducka, KY across the Ohio.

[@nicktune1219]

this is not a scary bridge at all i tell you.

[@TTF1996]

Cross this about 10 times week. Not scary.

[@bigred4556]

It's not a bad bridge just long

[@1000murdog]

Guy has got to stop bouncing the damn ball!

[@jillsmith3937]

Yes I did not like the tunnels