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Q: Why was the old bridge being replaced?

A: Completed in 1940, the old bridge suffered from traffic congestion and did not meet current safety standards. The old crossing would have required increasing maintenance and, due to the bridge’s single-lane capacity in each direction and lack of nearby alternative crossings, rehabilitation work would have caused severe traffic impacts.

Q: How does the new bridge compare with the old bridge?

A: The new bridge improves mobility, safety, and economic opportunities for Southern Maryland, Northeastern Virginia, and the region. Here are key comparisons:

  

NEW BRIDGE OLD BRIDGE
Four 12-foot-wide lanes Two 11-foot-wide lanes
Barrier-separated median        No Median
Two-foot-wide shoulders No shoulders
All tolls paid at highway speeds Cash tolls paid when stopped; some E-ZPass tolls paid at reduced-speed lanes
100-year service life Increasing maintenance needs and costs

Q: When did the new bridge open to the public?

A: The new bridge opened to the public on October 12, 2022

Q: What is happening to the old bridge?

A: Now that the new bridge is open, the old bridge is being demolished, and Some materials are being deposited in the Chesapeake Bay to aid in fish reef enhancements.

Q: How much does it cost to cross the new bridge?

A: The regular toll for passenger vehicles is currently $4.50. A commuter discount rate plan is available. For more information and to determine toll rates for other vehicles, please visit MDTA’s toll rate webpage.

Q: Do I need an E-ZPass to cross the new bridge?

A: The new bridge enables travelers to pay tolls at highway speeds by using an E-ZPass Maryland transponder or by Video Tolling. Drivers are strongly encouraged to acquire an E-ZPass due to significantly lower toll rates: Read more about E-ZPass, including how to get a transponder, here.

Project Study

 

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Public Calendar

Feb 08

Olney Farmers Market

9 AM

2801 Olney Sandy Spring Rd
Olney, MD 20832

Come say hi to our DriveEzMD Outreach Team at the Olney Farmers Market! Stop by our table to get your E-ZPass questions answered, pick up helpful information, and win giveaway items while you enjoy local vendors and fresh finds.

9:00am-1:00pm

Feb 08

Severna Park Health and Wellness Expo

11 AM

Severna Park Community Center
623 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd
Severna Park, MD 21146

The DriveEzMD Outreach Team is excited to take part in the Severna Park Health & Wellness Expo! Stop by our table to learn how E-ZPass can save you time and money on the road! While you’re here, explore tips and tricks from local health and wellness exhibitors covering everything from financial to emotional wellbeing.

11:00am-2:00pm

Feb 10

Bay Crossing Study Public Hearing (Anne Arundel County)

5 PM

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

Catch the DriveEzMD Outreach Team at the upcoming Bay Crossing Study Tier 2 NEPA Public Hearing in Annapolis! As the community reviews the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and MDTA’s Recommended Preferred Alternative (Alternative C), we’ll be there to share tolling tools, and provide resources to make your travel across Maryland smoother.

5:00pm-8:00pm