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Nice/Middleton Bridge Project - Construction

Construction began in July 2020 with driving concrete foundation piles in the Potomac River. The new bridge opened to traffic on October 12, 2022. Crews are now working on demolishing and removing the old bridge – a process that will carry into 2024.

Construction Timeline

Fact Sheets

 

All Electronic Tolling

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) implemented all-electronic tolling (AET) at the Nice/Middleton Bridge in 2021. MDTA has made all-electronic tolling permanent statewide, making E-ZPass Maryland even better for our customers. Learn more about how cashless tolling works, the benefits of cashless tolling and how to get an E-ZPass Maryland transponder.

 

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Mariner Alerts

VA - MD - POTOMAC RIVER - DAHLGREN AND VICINITY – SAFETY NOTICE

SUBJ: SAFETY BROADCAST NOTICE TO MARINERS

SEC MD-NCR BNM 170-22

VA - MD - POTOMAC RIVER - DAHLGREN AND VICINITY (CHART 12287)

1. CRITICAL HEAVY LIFT OPERATIONS ARE SCHEDULED TO OCCUR AT THE NEW HARRY W. NICE / THOMAS MAC MIDDLETON (US 301) BRIDGE FROM 31 MAY 22 THROUGH 18 JUN 22. A LARGE CRANE BARGE WILL BE ANCHORED WITHIN THE FEDERAL NAVIGATION CHANNEL.
 

2. THE COAST GUARD HAS ESTABLISHED A TEMPORARY SAFETY ZONE ON THE POTOMAC RIVER. THE SAFETY ZONE INCLUDES ALL NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE POTOMAC RIVER, ENCOMPASSED BY A LINE CONNECTING THE FOLLOWING POINTS: BEGINNING AT 38-21-50.96 N, 076-59-22.04 W, THENCE SOUTH TO 38-21-43.08 N, 076-59-20.55 W, THENCE WEST TO 38-21-41.00 N, 076-59-34.90 W, THENCE NORTH TO 38-21-48.90 N, 076-59-36.80 W, AND EAST BACK TO THE BEGINNING POINT, LOCATED BETWEEN CHARLES COUNTY, MD AND KING GEORGE COUNTY, VA.
 

3. THE LARGE CRANE BARGE AND ITS ASSOCIATED ANCHORING EQUIPMENT ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE WITHIN THE FEDERAL NAVIGATION CHANNEL CONTINUOUSLY FROM 31 MAY 22 THROUGH 18 JUN 22. THIS SAFETY ZONE WILL BE ENFORCED FROM 7 AM ON 31 MAY 22 THROUGH 8 PM ON 18 JUN 22 WHEN THE LARGE CRANE BARGE AND ITS ASSOCIATED ANCHORING EQUIPMENT ARE REQUIRED TO BE POSITIONED WITHIN THE FEDERAL NAVIGATION CHANNEL.
 

4. UNDER THE GENERAL SAFETY ZONE REGULATION IN SUBPART C OF 33 CFR PART 165, EXCEPT FOR MARINE EQUIPMENT OPERATED BY SKANSKA-CORMAN-MCLEAN, JOINT VENTURE, OR ITS SUBCONTRACTORS, YOU MAY NOT ENTER THE SAFETY ZONE UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY THE COTP OR THE COTP'S DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE. TO SEEK PERMISSION TO ENTER, CONTACT THE COTP OR THE COTPS DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE BY TELEPHONE NUMBER 410-576-2693 OR ON MARINE BAND RADIO VHF-FM CHANNEL 16. THOSE IN THE SAFETY ZONE MUST COMPLY WITH ALL LAWFUL ORDERS OR DIRECTIONS GIVEN TO THEM BY THE COTP OR THE COTP'S DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE. THE U.S.
COAST GUARD MAY BE ASSISTED IN THE PATROL AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE SAFETY ZONE BY FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES.
 

5. VESSEL TRAFFIC NOT REQUIRED TO USE THIS SECTION OF THE FEDERAL NAVIGATION CHANNEL MAY BE ABLE TO SAFELY TRANSIT AROUND THE SAFETY ZONE OUTSIDE THE FEDERAL NAVIGATION CHANNEL, BUT DO SO AT THEIR OWN DISCRETION.
 

6. DURING THE PERIOD DESCRIBED, A SIGN MARKED BRIDGE WORK-DANGER-STAY AWAY FACING THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN APPROACHES OF THE NAVIGATION CHANNEL WILL BE POSTED ON THE SIDES OF THE MARINE QUIPMENT ON-SCENE WITHIN THE LOCATION OF THIS SAFETY ZONE.

VA – MD – POTOMAC RIVER – LOWER CEDAR POINT TO MATTAWOMAN CREEK – BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

Pier protection/fender construction and bridge deck construction operations are scheduled to continue adjacent to the Federal Navigation Channel at the New Harry W. Nice / Thomas “Mac” Middleton (US 301) Bridge on the Potomac River in Newburg, MD through June 30, 2022. This work will potentially occur 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. At least 125 feet of the 250-foot wide Federal Navigation Channel (horizontal clearance) will be open and available at all times for vessel passage. This work will include temporary support piling immediately adjacent to the pier protection fender ring construction alongside of the Federal Navigation Channel. The temporary piles will be lit with white flashing lights. Large vessels in transit that require use of the Federal Navigation Channel during the work period described, must provide at least 24 hours advanced notice, to either Mr. Mike Baker at (443) 286-1780 or Mr. Brent Hunt at (757) 544-3964.

Safety Zone; Potomac River, Between Charles County, MD and King George County, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for certain waters of the Potomac River. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of persons, and the marine environment from the potential safety hazards associated with construction operations at the new Governor Harry W. Nice/Senator Thomas ‘‘Mac’’ Middleton Memorial (US–301) Bridge, which will occur from 7 a.m. on January 3, 2022, through 8 p.m. on January 15, 2022. This rule will prohibit persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Maryland-National Capital Region or a designated representative.

DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from December 17, 2021 through January 15, 2022. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be issued from December 13, 2021 until December 17, 2021.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2021–0906 in the search box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, in the Document Type column, select ‘‘Supporting & Related Material.’’

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or email Mr. Ron Houck, Sector Maryland-NCR, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard: telephone 410–576–2674, email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

USCG Fifth District Local Notice to Mariners – MD-VA-Potomac River-Dahlgren and Vicinity – Safety Zone

SUBJ: SAFETY BROADCAST NOTICE TO MARINERS

SEC MD-NCR BNM 224-21 (UPDATE)

VA - MD - POTOMAC RIVER - DAHLGREN AND VICINITY (Chart 12287)

  1. THE COAST GUARD HAS ESTABLISHED A TEMPORARY SAFETY ZONE ON THE POTOMAC RIVERDURING CRITICAL CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS AT THE NEW HARRY W. NICE / THOMAS MAC MIDDLETON (US 301) BRIDGE SCHEDULED FROM 20 SEP 21 THROUGH 31 DEC 21.

     
  2. THE SAFETY ZONE INCLUDES ALL NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE POTOMAC RIVER, ENCOMPASSED BY A LINE CONNECTING THE FOLLOWING POINTS: BEGINNING AT 38-21-50.96 N, 076-59-22.04 W, THENCE SOUTH TO 38-21-43.08 N, 076-59-20.55 W, THENCE WEST TO 38-21-41.00 N, 076-59-34.90 W, THENCE NORTH TO 38-21-48.90 N, 076-59-36.80 W, AND EAST BACK TO THE BEGINNING POINT, LOCATED BETWEEN CHARLES COUNTY, MD AND KING GEORGE COUNTY, VA.  THIS SAFETY ZONE WILL BE ENFORCED FROM 7 AM TO 8 PM, ON 02 NOV 21 AND 03 NOV 21, THEN 7 AM ON 04 NOV 21 THROUGH 8 PM ON 12 NOV 21, THEN 7 AM TO 8 PM MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, 13 NOV 21 THROUGH 11 DEC 21, THEN 7 AM ON 13 DEC 21 THROUGH 8 PM ON 24 DEC 21, THEN 7 AM ON 27 DEC 21 THROUGH 8 PM ON 31 DEC 21.

     
  3. UNDER THE GENERAL SAFETY ZONE REGULATIONS IN SUBPART C OF 33 CFR PART 165, YOU MAY NOT ENTER THE SAFETY ZONE UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY THE COTP OR THE COTP'S DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE.  TO SEEK PERMISSION TO ENTER, CONTACT THE COTP OR THE COTPS DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE BY TELEPHONE NUMBER 410-576-2693 OR ON MARINE BAND RADIO VHF-FM CHANNEL 16.  THOSE IN THE SAFETY ZONE MUST COMPLY WITH



    ALL LAWFUL ORDERS OR DIRECTIONS GIVEN TO THEM BY THE COTP OR THE COTP'S DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE. THE U.S. COAST GUARD MAY BE ASSISTED IN THE PATROL AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE SAFETY ZONE BY FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES.  THIS SAFETY ZONE WILL BE ENFORCED DURING THE PERIOD DESCRIBED WITH A BRIDGE WORK -DANGER STAY AWAY SIGN FACING THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN APPROACHES OF THE



    NAVIGATION CHANNEL THAT WILL BE POSTED ON THE SIDES OF THE MARINE EQUIPMENT ON -SCENE WITHIN THE LOCATION OF THIS SAFETY ZONE.

     
  4. VESSEL TRAFFIC NOT REQUIRED TO USE THIS SECTION OF THE FEDERAL NAVIGATION CHANNEL MAY BE ABLE TO SAFELY TRANSIT AROUND THE SAFETY ZONE OUTSIDE THE FEDERAL NAVIGATION CHANNEL, BUT DO SO AT THEIR OWN DISCRETION.

     
  5. CANCEL AT TIME //010100Z JAN 22 //
SAFETY/VA - MD – Potomac River – Dahlgren and vicinity (Chart 12287)/ATON/SEC MD-NCR BNM 224-21

  1. The Coast Guard has established a temporary Safety Zone on the Potomac River during critical construction operations at the New Harry W. Nice / Thomas Mac Middleton (US 301) Bridge scheduled from 20 Sep 21 through 31 Dec 21.

     
  2. The Safety Zone includes all navigable waters of the Potomac River, encompassed by a line connecting the following points: beginning at 38-21-50.96 N, 076-59-22.04 W, thence south to 38-21-43.08 N, 076-59-20.55 W, thence west to 38-21-41.00 N, 076-59-34.90 W, thence north to 38-21-48.90 N, 076-59-36.80 W, and east back to the beginning point, located between Charles county, MD and King George County, VA.



    This Safety Zone will be enforced from 7 AM on 20 Sep 21 through 8 PM on 24 Sep 21, then 7 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Saturday, 25 Sep 21 through 16 Oct 21, then 7 AM on 18 Oct 21 through 8 PM on 22 Oct 21, and then 7 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Saturday, 23 Oct 21 through 31 Dec 21, with the exception of 25 Nov 21 and 25 Dec 21.

     
  3. Under the General Safety Zone Regulations in Subpart C of 33 CFR Part 165, you may not enter the safety zone unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP’s designated representative. To see permission to enter, contact the COTP or the CPTP’s designated representative by telephone number 410-576-2693 or on Marine Band Radio VHF-FM Channel 16. Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP’s designated representative. The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of the safety zone for Federal, State, and local agencies. This Safety Zone will be enforced during the period described with a Bridge Work – Danger Stay Away sign facing the northern and southern approaches of the navigation channel that will be posted on the sides of the marine equipment on-scene within the location of this Safety Zone.

     
  4. Vessel traffic not required to use this section of the Federal Navigation Channel may be able to safely transit around the Safety Zone outside the Federal Navigation Channel, but do so at their own discretion.
USCG Fifth District Local Notice to Mariners – MD-VA-Potomac River-Dahlgren and Vicinity – Safety Zone

To facilitate critical heavy lift operations at the new Gov. Harry W. Nice/Sen. Thomas “Mac” Middleton Memorial (US-301) Bridge, between Charles County, MD and King George County, VA, the Coast Guard will establish a temporary safety zone for certain navigable waters of the Potomac River, from June 14, 2021 through June 19, 2021.  During this period, the federal navigation channel at this bridge will be restricted.  Vessel traffic not required to use this section of the federal navigation channel may be able to safely transit around the safety zone under the next bridge span to the east of the federal navigation channel, but do so at their own discretion.  The safety zone will cover all navigable waters of the Potomac River, encompassed by a line connecting the following points beginning at 38°21′50.5″ N, 076°59′25.6″ W, thence south to 38°21′42.6″ N, 076°59′23.8″ W, thence west to 38°21′41.0″ N, 076°59′34.9″ W, thence north to 38°21′48.9″ N, 076°59′36.8″ W, and east back to the beginning point, located between Charles County, MD and King George County, VA.  These coordinates are based on datum NAD 83.  This safety zone will be enforced from 7 a.m. on June 14, 2021, through 9 p.m. on June 19, 2021.  A “BRIDGE WORK—DANGER—STAY AWAY” sign facing the northern and southern approaches of the navigation channel will be posted on the sides of the marine equipment on-scene within the location described in this paragraph.  Under the general safety zone regulations in subpart C of 33 CFR part 165, you may not enter the safety zone unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative.  The COTP or the COTP’s representative can be contacted either by telephone number 410-576-2693 or on Marine Band Radio VHF-FM channel 16.  Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP’s designated representative.  The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of the safety zone by Federal, State, and local agencies.  The Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine band radio about the status of the safety zone.  Interested persons can contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-NCR Waterways Management Division at telephone number (410) 576-2674 or (410) 576-2693.

USCG Fifth District Local Notice to Mariners – Potomac River Bridge Construction

Construction on the Lower Potomac River - Harry W. Nice/Thomas “Mac” Middleton (US 301) Bridge – Construction commenced in May 2020, with completion estimated in November 2024. Work is scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with limited work outside these hours for special operations. To facilitate bridge construction, a barge loading facility was constructed off of the Maryland shore approximately 200 feet and a work trestle will be located north of the existing bridge extending outward from the Virginia shore to approximately 320 feet. A vertical clearance of 135 feet above mean high water and horizontal clearance of 250 feet will be maintained throughout construction. Detailed project information and information, including any waterway restrictions or closures, will be provided via website www.newnicebridge.com and updated Coast Guard local notice to mariners and broadcast notice to mariners. Marine equipment on site include floating platforms with 100-foot tall mounted man-lifts. To ensure the safety of workers during crane picks well in excess of 100 tons on a daily basis, mariners are urged to operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain safe course that produces no wake near work platforms and barges while approaching the work site. Interested mariners can contact the vessels CAPT KENNETH, GAIL, CAPTAIN MAC, or CLYDESDALE via marine band radio VHF-FM channels 13 and 16 when actively working on the river, or for information can call Jay Musser or Chris Brown of Skanska-Corman-McLean, Joint Venture, at 443-392- 8089 or 757-297-4796.

USCG Mariner Alert VA - MD – Potomac River – Lower Cedar Point to Mattawoman Creek – Nice/Middleton Bridge Construction

Bridge replacement operations are scheduled to continue adjacent to the Federal Navigation Channel at the New Harry W. Nice / Thomas “Mac” Middleton (US 301) Bridge on the Potomac River in Newburg, MD through November 2024.  A new 6-knot speed limit is now being enforced for 0.5 nautical miles north and south of the bridge.  Wakes from speeding boats can create major hazards for construction operations and workers.  Mariners are reminded to heed the speed limit markers established by the State of Maryland when transiting the area, so that wake does not affect the platforms and barges at the work site.  For more information, visit www.nicemiddletonbridge.com or call 888-994-1415.

USCG Mariner Alert VA - MD – Potomac River – Lower Cedar Point to Mattawoman Creek (Chart 12288)

Steel pile driving operations are scheduled to continue adjacent to the Federal Navigation Channel at the New Harry W. Nice / Thomas “Mac” Middleton (US 301) Bridge on the Potomac River in Newburg, MD through April 2, 2021. 

 Bridge construction will occur 7 days per week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Large vessels in transit that require use of the Federal Navigation Channel during the work period described, must provide at least 24 hours advanced notice to either Mr. Mike Baker at (443) 286-1780 or Mr. Brent Hunt at (757) 544-3964.  Mariners are reminded to heed the speed limit markers established by the State of Maryland when transiting the area, so that wake does not affect the platforms and barges at the work site.

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Public Calendar

Dec 09

MDTA Board Meeting - April 24, 2025

9 AM

Livestream

This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the MDTA Board Meeting Homepage. The MDTA Board Meeting homepage also provides access to the meeting schedule, materials, agenda and minutes.

Dec 09

CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING STUDY TIER 2 NEPA OPEN HOUSES

6 PM

Broadneck High School
1265 Green Holly Dr.
Annapolis, MD 21409

Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study Tier 2 NEPA - Open Houses Dec.4, 9, and 11

On December 4, 9, and 11, 2024, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will host Open Houses for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA (Tier 2 Study). 

Anne Arundel County
Monday, December 9, 2024
(6-8 p.m.)
Broadneck High School
1265 Green Holly Dr.
Annapolis, MD 21409

Follow link to learn more: baycrossingstudy.com

 

Dec 11

CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING STUDY TIER 2 NEPA OPEN HOUSES

6 PM

Kent Island High School
900 Love Point Road
Stevensville, MD 21666

Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study Tier 2 NEPA - Open Houses Dec.4, 9, and 11

On December 4, 9, and 11, 2024, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will host Open Houses for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA (Tier 2 Study). 

Queen Anne’s County
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
(6-8 p.m.)
Kent Island High School
900 Love Point Road
Stevensville, MD 21666

Follow link to learn more: baycrossingstudy.com

 
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