Blue angels air show to bring traffic delays and road closures in annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are set to perform and rehearse during the Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week, with events scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20 and 21, bringing major traffic disruptions across Annapolis and surrounding areas.

Both the practice session on Tuesday and the official air show on Wednesday will lead to street closures, rerouted traffic, and increased pedestrian activity, according to the Traffic Safety Section of the Special Operations Division.

Drivers should expect delays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, with primary traffic impacts on Taylor Avenue, Rowe Boulevard, Route 450, Greenbury Point Road, St. Margarets Road, and the Route 648 corridor. “Motorists traveling along the route should expect delays between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M.,” the advisory stated.

Key closures include the U.S. Naval Academy Bridge, which will be closed in both directions, and Route 450 at Waveland Farms Road to all non-emergency vehicles. Local residents will retain access to their neighborhoods, but detours are expected to cause delays.

The city is urging caution due to the large number of spectators expected to gather near the Naval Academy and along the Severn River shoreline. Heavy pedestrian and vehicle congestion is anticipated throughout both days.

Road access changes and ride-share adjustments

Parking and traffic patterns will be temporarily altered during the event. Route 648 will remain open through St. Margarets, though no vehicles will be permitted to enter Route 450 from that corridor. Drivers on Ritchie Road will also be prohibited from turning onto Route 450.

At the conclusion of the show, the Route 450 ramps from US50 East and West, as well as Ritchie Highway Southbound toward Annapolis, will be closed to facilitate a faster dispersal of traffic. All routes are expected to reopen once congestion eases.

Ride-share users have been instructed to arrange pickups near the Severn Inn and Route 648, as that area will remain accessible under the temporary traffic plan.

Officials have not issued guidance on alternative public transportation options during the event, but advise motorists and spectators to plan ahead and anticipate delays.

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