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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

News Releases

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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Think of it as E-Z money! All-Electronic Tolling is Statewide - DriveEzMD.comMDTA 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.

Additional Information

Nice/Middleton Bridge Project Archive: 

April 2023 Bicycle System Informational Open House 

Fact Sheets

Public Alerts

Mariner Alerts

Environmental Planning Studies

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Public Calendar

Oct 08

Finance and Administration Committee Meeting

9:00 AM

Livestream

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

Oct 10

Parkville Carney Festival

10:00 AM

St. Ursula Church
8801 Harford Rd, Parkville, MD 21234

Join us at the Parkville Carney Festival to explore local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and chat with the DriveEzMD team about how E-ZPass can save you time and money.

Oct 10

Community Resource Tailgate at Chesapeake High School

11:00 AM

Chesapeake High School – STEM Academy
1801 Turkey Point Rd, Essex, MD 21221

Kick off a great day at Chesapeake High School! Join us for the Community Tailgate Resource Tables, where you can connect with local organizations, discover helpful resources, enjoy fun activities, and win prizes. Don’t forget to stop by the E-ZPass booth and say hello!