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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

Jun 01

Capital Committee Meeting - June 1, 2023

9 AM

Virtual

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

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 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)