Maryland moves ahead with proposal that could expand capacity on Chesapeake Bay Bridge
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board is moving ahead with a proposal that could expand capacity on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
The board agreed to advance the "Alternative C" proposal to public and government review at a meeting Thursday. Alternative C would remove the existing bridge spans and construct two new four-lane bridge spans. The bridge would also have a higher clearance to accommodate larger cargo ships.
Leaders said the step moves the project forward, but does not finalize any plans.
The cost would be between $14 billion and $17 billion. Construction is planned to start in 2032.
The redesign of the bridge is in the early planning phase. In 2024, MDTA officials determined that two of the existing bridge structures were not enough to handle the traffic demands.
"This recommendation is an exciting step that moves us closer to a Bay crossing that provides a smoother travel experience for those who drive over the bridge and the Marylanders who live by it," MDTA Acting Secretary Samantha Biddle said earlier this week. "Alternative C is the option that best supports Marylanders' current and future daily travel needs with the least environmental impact on our treasured Chesapeake Bay."
Alternative C proposal
The Alternative C proposal was developed based on an ongoing engineering review, environmental study, public feedback and in coordination with local, state and federal partners, according to transportation officials.
The proposal includes:
- Adding two four-lane bridge spans with shoulders to enhance safety, and increase capacity and reliability
- Removing the existing bridge spans to address roadway deficiencies, including narrow lanes and a lack of shoulders. This should eliminate the need for major rehabilitation projects and increase navigational clearance to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
- Widening US-50 and US-301 to four lanes in each direction from Oceanic Drive to Cox Creek.
- Financial commitments for transit-related improvements
- An optional bike and pedestrian path, which MDTA will evaluate to see if it should be included
On an average day, between 80,000 and 90,000 vehicles travel across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, making it a critical link for commuters, businesses and beach goers.
Traffic concerns
Residents who live near the bridge said traffic is their main concern.
"The thing is you've got one bridge," said Ed, a Stevensville resident. "The alternative is a five-hour drive to the other side."
"Usually if there's traffic, I don't leave my house," said Kyle, who also lives in Stevensville. "It's horrible. You can't go nowhere."
"It's already hideous over here," Ed said. "There's days you can't even leave your house."
Some locals worry the state's recommendation does not go far enough to address long-term congestion concerns.
"You'd have to widen it from D.C. to Ocean City," said Ed. "You've got to build at least one more span across, probably farther south."
State transportation officials said Alternative C best supports current and future travel needs while minimizing environmental impacts. However, the process is far from complete.
Public feedback period
Members of the public, along with resource and regulatory agencies, will have a chance to evaluate the Alternative C proposal as part of the ongoing National Environmental Policy Act process, officials said.
A public comment period will be held in late January 2026 for feedback on the proposal and the drafted Environmental Impact Statement. Public hearings are being planned for February 2026, officials said.
In spring 2026, after the public comment period, state and federal agencies will vote on the preferred plan.
A final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision will be shared in November 2026, officials said.
Find more information about the Chesapeake Bay Bridge project here.