The Maryland Transportation Authority Board on Thursday approved a plan to tear down the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and build a $15 billion replacement right next to it.
The proposed new bridge would feature two, four-lane bridge spans with full shoulders, almost doubling capacity. The current westbound span has three lanes and narrow shoulders, while the eastbound span has only two lanes, leading to hourslong backups as summer vacationers flock to the beaches on the Atlantic coast.
Plans call for construction of the project, referred to as “Alternative C,” to begin in 2032. Costs associated with the new bridge are expected to run between $15 billion to $17 billion.
“This recommendation is an exciting step that moves us closer to a Bay crossing that provides a smoother travel experience for those who drive over the bridge and the Marylanders who live by it,” said Maryland’s acting Transportation Secretary Samantha Biddle in a statement.
“Alternative C is the option that best supports Marylanders’ current and future daily travel needs with the least environmental impact on our treasured Chesapeake Bay,” she said.
The transportation board said building new spans was the most cost-effective option that also had the least amount of impact on the environment.
The new bridge spans would also be roughly 50 feet taller, making the new structure the same height as the Key Bridge being built in Baltimore.
Taller bridges let today’s massive container ships pass under and access the Port of Baltimore.
Officials said the phased construction will allow traffic to flow uninterrupted while the project takes shape. Crews will widen U.S. 50 as part of the project so traffic patterns can align with the new span.
MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner said the replacement bridge would bring in between $17 billion to $23 billion into the local economy and create 61,000 to 75,000 jobs.
Beginning in January, government agencies and the general public will be able to sound off on the new bridge. Public hearings for the project are scheduled to be held in February.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.