Maryland Senate OKs study for third bay bridge

The Maryland State Senate passed a bill calling on the state to fund a study about a potential third span across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

A reported 25 million vehicles crossed the bridge in 2013.

A similar bill calling for an environmental impact study died in the 2014 legislative session however since then a Maryland Transportation Authority said that if the bridge isn’t widened by 2040 backups for traffic headed west on Sundays during the summer could stretch up to 14 miles.

Under the bill the MDTA would have to set aside one million dollars starting in 2017 until the cost of the study is covered.

Senator Jim Mathias sponsored the bill.

“This bridge will enable the entire eastern shore that growth that success our future and to know the infrastructure is there for our children and grandchildren,” says Senator Jim Mathais.

Senator Mathias tells 47ABC the bill passed with bipartisan support 40 votes to 4.
The bill is set for a vote in the house of Delegates a week from today.