There's A New Push To Expand The Bay Bridge

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Building bridges for better business. It's one of many reasons behind a new push to expand the Bay Bridge.

George Solis has more on why this is about more than just improving traffic on the Eastern Shore.

The Eastern Shore has seen plenty of significant growth in the last five years and one man wants to make sure it stays that way.

The Bay Bridge is an awe-inspiring sight that has been connecting people to the state's Eastern Shore for decades.

It's so pleasant, the area is experiencing explosive growth. US Census data shows more people are living in the area; in the past five years, more than 4,000 people have relocated to the east. Business owners are taking note.

"We got four hotels here now; it wasn't long ago we didn't have any," said Michael Harris, Harris Crab House & Seafood Restaurant.

With the region booming, one man wants to make sure getting there is as easy as possible. The solution? Expanding the Bay Bridge by building a third span.

"Time is money we can't afford today as a working population. Industrially, we can't afford to sit in traffic," said Senator Jim Mathias.

Mathias is hoping to get the state funding he'll need for studies to determine if and where a third span can be built.

Those doing the research say if you think it's bad now, it's only expected to get worse.

"Within seven to 10 years, we're going to have regular one and two hours delays coming across that bridge," said Queen Anne's County Commissioner Jim Moran.

No longer just a public safety concern but a pathway towards a better future.

If the plan moves forward, a location for the third span would still have to be figured out. If all goes well, construction for the bridge wouldn't begin for at least the next two decades.