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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

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

Dec 19

MDTA Board Meeting - December 19, 2024

9 AM

Livestream
Meeting Location Change: MDTA ETL Project Office, 8019 Corporate Drive, Suite F, Nottingham, MD 21236 - Large Conference Room

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.

Meeting Location Change: MDTA ETL Project Office, 8019 Corporate Drive, Suite F, Nottingham, MD 21236 - Large Conference Room

 
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