ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Big changes are on the horizon for Maryland’s iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has been diving into plans to replace the aging spans of the William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge with two shiny new spans in the same area. This project is part of a larger, federally mandated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to address current and future transportation needs, and the MDTA is inviting the public to weigh in on the options being considered.
Since 2022, the MDTA has looked at options for new bridge spans north and south of the current ones. However, in proposed designs for the next phase of the study the MDTA has selected to use the area around the current spans.
Most of the proposals include building new bridges and then eventually tearing down the two aging spans. Maryland's Transportation Secretary has said both of the old spans are reaching their usable life spans.
The Eastbound span was built in the 1950s. The Westbound span was completed in the 1970s.
The MDTA revealed six proposed replacement designs. Most of the proposals look at building two new bridges with anywhere from six to ten traffic lanes. Some proposals also add bus and pedestrian lanes.
We went to Kent Island to talk to people whose lives revolve around the Bay Bridges.
"I live on the island, but most of my work is ever on the other side," Mike Listorti said. "They definitely need to do something."
"We need a new bridge," said Claude, who wouldn't give his last name. "They could have put the bridge down at the end of the island and helped us out a whole bunch with traffic.
"But instead they're going to build this massive monster up here."
There was one proposal to reinforce the current bridges and add lanes to it. However, it would not meet height requirements for some of the bigger container ships that will be moving through the Chesapeake Bay in the future.
Throughout the winter, MDTA will hold listening and information sessions to talk to Marylanders about the plans, but the earliest any work would begin would be in the 2030s.
"It will be for a while. But, you know, I'm an old guy. Anything happening in 2030 is not going to impact me that much," Claude mused.
Curious about the plans? The MDTA will host a series of December open houses to show the proposed alternatives and discuss the potential environmental impacts. Here’s your chance to get the scoop directly from the source:
- Virtual open house: Wed., Dec. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at baycrossingstudy.com
- Anne Arundel County Open House: Mon., Dec. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Broadneck High School in Annapolis
- Queen Anne’s County Open House: Wed., Dec. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Kent Island High School in Stevensville
While there won’t be formal presentations, the MDTA study team will be there to answer questions and explain how each alternative might impact the future of bay crossings. This is a great opportunity for the community to give feedback before the comment deadline on Jan. 13, 2025. Whether you attend in person or online, make sure your voice is heard.
For details, check out baycrossingstudy.com or email comments to info@baycrossingstudy.com.
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