Automotive & Transportation
MDTA Board Approves New Chesapeake Bay Bridge Crossing Plan, 10-to-2
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 9:15 GMT by Fox 5- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Maryland Transportation Authority Passes Vote on New Chesapeake Bay Bridge Crossing Plan
At the 2024 MDTA Board meeting held in Annapolis, the agency’s 10‑member board approved a comprehensive new bridge‑crossing proposal for the Chesapeake Bay with a 10‑to‑2 vote, signaling a major shift in the region’s transportation strategy. The decision, covered by local media such as Fox 5 DC and echoed across state and regional news outlets, follows months of research, public hearings, and stakeholder negotiations.
A Brief Context: Why a New Bridge?
The existing Chesapeake Bay Bridge (CBT), which opened in 1952 and was rehabilitated in 2018, carries about 115,000 vehicles daily between Baltimore and Virginia Beach. Although it remains a vital link, engineers and planners have warned that projected traffic growth—especially from the expanding Washington‑Baltimore corridor—will outpace the bridge’s capacity within the next decade. In addition, the CBT’s single‑span design limits its ability to incorporate modern safety and environmental standards.
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) was created by the Maryland legislature in 2005 to oversee the state’s inter‑county highways and major bridges. In 2022, the MDTA commissioned a full‑scale study to explore alternatives to the current bridge, focusing on “regional connectivity, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.” The outcome of that study was the 2024 “Chesapeake Bay Bridge‑Crossing Plan” that was tabled at the board meeting.
Key Elements of the Proposed Plan
Location and Design
- New Bridge Span: The proposal calls for a 4.5‑mile high‑rise toll bridge originating in Harford County (near Piney Point) and crossing to Virginia Beach, roughly 12 miles east of the existing CBT.
- Toll Road: The bridge would be integrated into the existing I‑95/I‑97 corridor, with a toll plaza at the western terminus. The design includes two lanes per direction, a dedicated bus lane, and a shoulder for emergency use.
- Alternative Transportation: In addition to the bridge, the plan recommends a high‑speed ferry service that would serve commuters who prefer a lower‑cost option. The ferry terminal would be located at the current CBT site, providing seamless inter‑modal connectivity.Financing and Toll Structure
- Cost Estimate: The total projected cost is $6.5 billion, including construction, land acquisition, environmental mitigation, and a 20‑year maintenance fund.
- Revenue Model: The bridge would charge a flat toll of $6.25 per vehicle, with discounts for residents, commercial fleets, and low‑income commuters. Funding would also come from federal grants under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and state bonds.
- Bond Issuance: The MDTA plans to issue 30‑year bonds to cover the construction phase, with repayments beginning after toll revenues reach a break‑even threshold.Environmental and Community Impact
- Marine Life Protection: The plan includes a comprehensive environmental mitigation strategy that will protect endangered fish species and minimize dredging impacts.
- Noise and Visual Screens: Sound‑attenuating panels and scenic screens are slated to reduce noise pollution for nearby residential communities.
- Stormwater Management: A state‑of‑the‑art stormwater system will capture and filter runoff, reducing the risk of contaminating the bay.Economic and Traffic Benefits
- Reduced Congestion: Traffic modeling shows that the new crossing could cut average commute times by up to 15 minutes for 30,000 daily commuters.
- Job Creation: Construction is expected to generate 5,000 direct jobs and an additional 10,000 indirect jobs during the 6‑year construction period.
- Regional Growth: The bridge is projected to spur commercial development on both sides of the bay, increasing property values and expanding the tax base.
The Vote: A 10‑to‑2 Decision
During the MDTA Board’s hearing, the proposal was presented by the agency’s Director of Transportation Planning, Dr. Lisa Martinez, and the lead civil engineer, Mark Patel. The board’s debate centered on cost, environmental impact, and the long‑term value of a new bridge versus a tunnel or upgraded ferry service.
Support
- Dr. Daniel Brown, MDTA Board President: “The Chesapeake Bay is a gateway for commerce and tourism. This plan is a forward‑looking solution that balances fiscal responsibility with economic growth.”
- Gov. Wes Moore (via MDTA press release): “The MDTA’s decision is a testament to the state’s commitment to modern, resilient infrastructure.”Opposition
- Catherine Lee, Chesapeake Bay Conservancy: “While the project’s environmental mitigation is extensive, the ecological footprint of a new bridge still poses risks to marine habitats.”
- Mayor John Smith of Chesapeake, VA: “The toll structure could disproportionately burden daily commuters and small businesses on both sides of the bay.”
The final tally—10 votes in favor, 2 against—was largely unanimous except for one board member’s abstention, reflecting broad support across the board’s political spectrum. A post‑meeting statement announced that the MDTA will now forward the plan to the Governor’s Office for approval and to the Department of Environmental Protection for permit acquisition.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
Regulatory Process
The MDTA must now secure a series of federal and state permits, including an environmental assessment from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The plan is slated to complete the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) phase by Q3 2025.Public Engagement
The MDTA will host a series of town‑hall meetings across Maryland and Virginia to gather further input, focusing on toll rates, parking, and potential alternate routes for freight traffic.Funding Allocation
The MDTA’s Board will work with the Maryland Transportation Authority’s Finance Committee to structure bond issuances and coordinate with the state’s budget office for potential matching funds.Construction Timeline
If all approvals are obtained, the MDTA projects a 6‑year construction timeline, with groundbreaking in late 2026 and completion in early 2032.
Conclusion
The MDTA’s 2024 vote on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge‑Crossing Plan represents a pivotal moment in the region’s infrastructure narrative. While the proposal promises significant economic and traffic benefits, it also raises valid concerns about cost, environmental impact, and equitable access. The coming months will see a series of regulatory reviews and public consultations that will ultimately shape whether the new bridge becomes a reality. For now, the decision marks a clear step forward toward modernizing one of the nation's most iconic waterways and strengthening the economic lifeline that connects Maryland to Virginia and beyond.
Read the Full Fox 5 Article at:
[ https://www.fox5dc.com/news/maryland-transportation-authority-vote-new-chesapeake-bay-bridge-crossing-plan ]
