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Nice/Middleton Bridge Project – Home

Maryland Delivers New Nice-Middleton Bridge On Budget and Three Months Ahead of Schedule, Replacing 82-Year Old Span

 

Original US 301 Nice/Middleton Bridge Decommissioning and Lower Cedar Point Bar Oyster Restoration Project

During fall 2022, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) began decommissioning the original US 301 Nice/Middleton Bridge, following approved permits and using a combination of mechanical and controlled blast demolition. The full structure from shore to shore will come down by end of 2024.

Concrete from the bridge will be loaded onto a barge and transported to an artificial reef site, which provides habitat and shelter for fish and invertebrates, creating sanctuaries for diverse marine life. In total, approximately 9,500 tons of old bridge materials will be used to enhance habitat.

100% of the steel from the bridge will be recycled.

As another feature of the project, MDTA has worked with partner agencies to create newly seeded oyster bed on the 148-acre natural Lower Cedar Point Bar, advancing Maryland’s clean water goals. We are making great strides at improving habitat for striped bass, bluefish, oysters, and other fish in tidewater Maryland locations. The MDTA worked with Potomac River Fisheries Commission to plant nearly 12 million live oysters over the Bar. The oysters planted were dime to quarter sized to help improve survival rate. Based on research, a single adult oyster can filter approximately 50 gallons of water a day. Two additional oyster plantings are planned for the Lower Cedar Point Bar.

Lower Cedar Point Bar

About the Project

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) opened the new Nice/Middleton Bridge on October 12, 2022, providing the public a wider, safer crossing over the Potomac. The new bridge:

  • Eases traffic congestion by doubling the vehicle capacity with four 12-foot-wide lanes –replacing the old bridge’s two 11-foot-wide lanes
  • · Improves safety with a barrier-separated median between east- and westbound lanes, two-foot shoulders, and other improvements that meet current safety standards
  • Eliminates lane-shifting safety issues at toll booths with all-electronic tolling
  • Enables tall ships to pass beneath its 135-foot clearance

Work continues in 2023 with removal of the old bridge. Under MDTA’s supervision, the $463 million design-build job is being performed by Skanska, Corman and McLean (SCM), a joint venture comprised of firms with local ties.

The MDTA is self-sufficient and receives no gas tax, motor vehicle fees, or other revenue in the Transportation Trust Fund. The MDTA facilities are fully financed, operated, maintained, improved, and protected with toll revenues paid by customers using those facilities.

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Public Calendar

Jun 08

Finance Committee Meeting - June 8, 2023

9 AM

Virtual Teams Meeting

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

Jun 09

Hiring Event - JFK Administration Building

12 PM

MDTA Hiring Event Onsite Interviews

Hiring Event for Highway Maintenance Workers with On-Site Interviews

We're holding a Highway Maintenance Worker hiring event at the JFK Administration Building. Same day, on-site interviews! If you can't make it, apply online here http://bit.ly/3ShAOoq.

When:
June 9, 2023
12 pm – 5 pm

Where:
John F. Kennedy Highway Administration Building 1
Turnpike Drive
Perryville, MD 21903

On-Site Same Day Interviews

  • No experience required
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Please bring a valid government-issued ID to interview

Reap the rewards of State employment!

  • Pension | Medical | Dental |Prescription
  • Tuition Assistance | Generous Time Off | Life Insurance
  • Variety of job tasks & locations available

Event Flyer (PDF Download)

You belong at the MDTA!

Jun 14

Doing Business with the MDTA Development Workshop - Free

9 AM

MDOT Headquarters
Harry Hughes Conference Room
7201 Corporate Center Drive
Hanover, Maryland 21076

Doing Business with the MDTA

Free Development Workshop
Division of Civil Rights & Fair Practices (CRFP)

Wednesday, June 14, 2023
9am to 1pm

  • Free to attend.
  • Network with Primes, MDTA Procurement Officers and MDTA CRFP Compliance Officers.
  • Learn about resources to assist in growing and strengthening your business.
  • Understand the MBE/VSBE/DBE Programs and your role as a prime or subcontractor.

Register on Eventbrite:
https://tinyurl.com/yjxmw565 
Registration Opens May 1, 2023

Email any questions to:
MDTAoutreach@mdta.state.md.us

Additional Information:

To learn more visit:
Getting Your Foot In The Door | MDTA (maryland.gov)