US EditionMaryland Moves Ahead with Proposal that Could Expand Capacity on Chesapeake Bay Bridge
The MDTA Board approved a $15 billion plan to double bridge capacity, enhance safety, and create up to 75,600 jobs while increasing shipping access to Baltimore's port.
- On Thursday, the Maryland Transportation Authority Board voted to advance Alternative C into NEPA review, which includes two new four-lane Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans, removal of existing spans, and widening U.S. 50/301 corridor from Oceanic Drive to Cox Creek to eight lanes.
- To address longstanding safety and navigation concerns, officials said the plan responds to narrow lanes, lack of shoulders and roadway deficiencies, and seeks higher clearance matching the Key Bridge to aid Port of Baltimore access.
- Budget estimates put the cost at $15 billion to $17 billion, and an economic analysis estimated $17 billion to $23 billion local benefits with 61,300 to 75,600 jobs and 76% direct employment of construction workers.
- Starting in late January 2026, a public comment period will open, with hearings planned for February 2026, and a Final Environmental Impact Statement due in November 2026.
- Locals and officials remain divided over the recommendation, noting officials estimated the bicycle and pedestrian shared‑use path would add approximately $1 billion, and Jim Moran said, `Eleven years ago, Governor Hogan started the NEPA process to replace the bridges.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Josh Spiegel Commentary: New Bay Bridge plan moves forward
In his latest commentary, Josh Spiegel reacts to the Maryland Transportation Authority Board’s approval of a new Bay Bridge plan, questioning the endless reviews, the feeling of driving over open water, and whether anyone really wants to walk or bike across the bridge. LISTEN: [audio mp3="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2100/2025/12/19153622/spiegel-commentary.mp3"]
Proposed Bay Bridge replacement would boost capacity, cut congestion, officials say
Maryland transportation officials on Tuesday unveiled their recommendation to replace the aging Chesapeake Bay Bridge with two new four-lane spans, saying the plan would ease chronic congestion, reduce environmental impact and lower costs. The Maryland Transportation Authority recommended “Alternative C,” which would increase capacity from five lanes to eight across the bay while keeping current lane configurations on U.S. 50/301 approaches. The…
Transportation officials approve rough plans on Chesapeake Bay bridge replacement
The Maryland Transportation Authority gave preliminary approval to a plan for two new Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans parallel to the current ones, with four lanes in each direction. (Photo courtesy the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)The Maryland Transportation Authority Board gave preliminary approval Thursday to a long-range plan that would replace the current Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans with two parallel spans that would add four…
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