Maryland Officials Seek Public Input on Chesapeake Bay Bridge Expansion Plans

Residents weigh in on proposals to build new bridge spans and address safety concerns.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Maryland transportation officials are gathering public feedback on plans to construct new Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans and address safety issues with the existing crossing. The Maryland Transportation Authority Board has approved a proposal, known as Alternative C, that would build two new four-lane bridge spans with full shoulders, remove the existing bridges, and widen the connecting highways. A series of public hearings are being held to discuss the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study and get input from local residents.

Why it matters

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a critical transportation link for Maryland, connecting the Eastern Shore to the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. However, the existing bridge has narrow lanes and lacks shoulders, posing safety risks. Replacing the bridge is a major infrastructure project that will impact traffic patterns and the local environment, making public input an important part of the planning process.

The details

The Maryland Transportation Authority Board approved Alternative C as the preferred plan for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing project. This proposal calls for building two new four-lane bridge spans with full shoulders, removing the existing bridges, and widening the connecting U.S. Routes 50/301 to eight lanes. The new bridges would also provide increased navigational clearance to accommodate larger ships accessing the Port of Baltimore. Public hearings are being held to gather feedback on the plans and understand the potential traffic impacts during construction.

  • The first in-person public meeting was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Another public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2026 in Queen Anne's County.

The players

Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board

The state agency responsible for managing and maintaining Maryland's toll facilities, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

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What’s next

The MDTA Board will continue to gather public feedback on the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study proposals before making a final decision on the project.

The takeaway

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a vital transportation link for Maryland, and replacing the aging structure is a complex project that requires careful planning and public input. The MDTA's proposal to build new bridge spans aims to improve safety and capacity, but the construction process will likely cause significant traffic disruptions that need to be addressed.