One step closer to Bay Bridge alternative according to MDTA

MARYLAND. – Maryland Transportation Authority announced that they are one step closer to building a Chesapeake Bay Bridge alternative, after receiving final environmental approval for the project.

Melissa Williams is the director of planning and program development for MDTA, and explained the perimeters for the environmental study.

“We are looking at these already existing rural lands that we can help preserve for the future.” Said Williams. “So we’re looking at working with easements and things like that on the Eastern Shore.”

MDTA released that they completed the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study. After looking at a variety of options and researching their impacts, they determined “Alternative C” best fits the environmental and financial needs of the region.

“It is the lowest cost alternative.” Said Williams. “And it also has the least impact to the natural and man-made environments.”

“Alternative C” includes two new four-lane bridge spans, full inside and outside shoulders, and the potential for a shared-use path. The new spans will have 230ft navigational channels, which is equivalent to the new Francis Scott Key Bridge, providing an increase in allowing cargo ships passage to the Port of Baltimore. MDTA stated that the project will add $23 billion to the local economy, and create more than 60,00 jobs.

“We’re also looking at bringing hundreds and hundreds of jobs into Maryland, which these are some pretty long term jobs for both engineering, construction and support services as well.”

From 2026 to 2028, MDTA plans to be in the procurement for final design stage, before entering final design efforts. They anticipate beginning construction for the first bridge in 2032. Once the new replacement is complete, the existing Bay Bridge spans will be removed.