Public Hearing Dates Set For Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Transportation Authority has announced new public hearing dates for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 National Environmental Policy Act, allowing the public to weigh in on the state’s expansion plans for the heavily trafficked bridge.

Residents will be given the chance to review and submit their comments on the state’s drafted environmental impact statement and the MDTA’s development hopes for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which spans just over 4 miles.

A total of three public hearings have been scheduled, the first of which will be held virtually Monday, Feb. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The first in-person hearing will be hosted Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Broadneck High School in Anne Arundel County. Kent Island High School in Queen Anne’s County will host the second in-person hearing on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Both in-person hearings will start with an open house format so participants can review project displays and accompanying materials. Live testimonies start at 6 p.m.

All public hearings will include a presentation and be followed by live testimony. Anyone wishing to provide their comments is asked to pre-register online, or by calling 1–677-203-5408.

What Does The MDTA’s Expansion Plan Include?

• Two new four-lane bridge spans that include full shoulders across the Chesapeake Bay.
• Removal of the existing Bay Bridge spans in order to address previous roadway deficiencies.
• Widening of the U.S. 50/301 to eight lanes, four in each direction, from west of Oceanic Drive to east of Cox Creek.
• Financial commitments for any future transit-related improvements.
• An optional bicycle and pedestrian share-use path, which the MDTA — at a later date — intends to determine if it should be included.

In the event of inclement weather, new hearing dates will be announced by the agency.