$15B+ Chesapeake Bay Bridge Project Receives Environmental Approval

The Maryland Transportation Authority has won final federal environmental approval for a Chesapeake Bay crossing projected to cost between $15 billion and $17 billion — an investment the agency says will add $23 billion to the local economy and create more than 60,000 jobs, WTOP reported.

Design of two new four-lane bridge spans with full shoulders is slated to begin in 2028, and construction could start as soon as 2032, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

Federal Environmental Review Concludes

The approval marks the end of the federal environmental review process, which included public open houses, public hearings and attendance at more than 120 community events across the study area, the transportation authority said. The agency received over 5,600 comments and survey responses during the study.

“The public-input process was deeply valuable to the success of this study, and our team engaged with thousands of residents, community members, drivers and elected officials on both sides of the bay to ensure a collaborative approach for all stakeholders,” Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Bruce Gartner said in a statement.

Existing Bridges to Be Removed

The plan calls for nearly doubling the capacity of the current crossing by building two new spans, then removing the existing bridges as part of the project. Gov. Wes Moore said the work will create “a smoother travel experience for those who drive over the bridge.”

“I’m very excited to get a chance to move forward with the next step,” Moore told WTOP.

Highway Widening and Path Options Included

The project also includes widening U.S. 50/301 to eight lanes from west of Oceanic Drive to east of Cox Creek to handle traffic shifting to the new crossing. The transportation authority said it will also consider adding a bike and pedestrian path along the bridge.

Timeline Runs From 2028 to 2032

Design work on both new four-lane spans begins in 2028, with construction potentially starting in 2032, the Maryland Transportation Authority said. Moore framed the project as part of a broader push to complete major infrastructure work quickly, saying Maryland wants to ensure “these projects are getting done and getting done quickly and efficiently” with the federal administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction on the new Chesapeake Bay Bridge begin?
Construction could begin as soon as 2032, with design work starting in 2028, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

How much will the new Bay Bridge project cost?
Earlier forecasts put the cost between $15 billion and $17 billion, the transportation authority said.

Will the existing Bay Bridge be torn down?
Yes. The existing bridges will be removed as part of the plan once the new spans are built.

Will the new bridge have a bike or pedestrian path?
The Maryland Transportation Authority said it will consider adding a bike and pedestrian path along the bridge.

The project’s $23 billion economic impact and 60,000-plus jobs represent the largest stated benefits of the crossing, figures the transportation authority released as it announced the environmental approval.