Nice/Middleton Bridge Project - Resources
FAQ
Q: Why was the old bridge being replaced?
A: Completed in 1940, the old bridge suffered from traffic congestion and did not meet current safety standards. The old crossing would have required increasing maintenance and, due to the bridge’s single-lane capacity in each direction and lack of nearby alternative crossings, rehabilitation work would have caused severe traffic impacts.
Q: How does the new bridge compare with the old bridge?
A: The new bridge improves mobility, safety, and economic opportunities for Southern Maryland, Northeastern Virginia, and the region. Here are key comparisons:
| NEW BRIDGE | OLD BRIDGE |
|---|---|
| Four 12-foot-wide lanes | Two 11-foot-wide lanes |
| Barrier-separated median | No Median |
| Two-foot-wide shoulders | No shoulders |
| All tolls paid at highway speeds | Cash tolls paid when stopped; some E-ZPass tolls paid at reduced-speed lanes |
| 100-year service life | Increasing maintenance needs and costs |
Q: When did the new bridge open to the public?
A: The new bridge opened to the public on October 12, 2022
Q: What is happening to the old bridge?
A: Now that the new bridge is open, the old bridge is being demolished, and Some materials are being deposited in the Chesapeake Bay to aid in fish reef enhancements.
Q: How much does it cost to cross the new bridge?
A: The regular toll for passenger vehicles is currently $4.50. A commuter discount rate plan is available. For more information and to determine toll rates for other vehicles, please visit MDTA’s toll rate webpage.
Q: Do I need an E-ZPass to cross the new bridge?
A: The new bridge enables travelers to pay tolls at highway speeds by using an E-ZPass Maryland transponder or by Video Tolling. Drivers are strongly encouraged to acquire an E-ZPass due to significantly lower toll rates: Read more about E-ZPass, including how to get a transponder, here.
Project Study
- Nice Bridge Project Study homepage
Additional Information
Fact Sheets Archive
- FAQs for Bicyclists & Motorists (PDF Download)
- No Wake Flyer (PDF Download)
- Construction Sequence 1 Drive Concrete Piles (PDF Download)
- Construction Sequence 2 Construct Maryland and Virginia Approaches (PDF Download)
- Construction Sequence 3 Build Foundations and Piers (PDF Download)
- Construction Sequence 4 Install Girders (PDF Download)
- Construction Sequence 5 Place Roadway Deck (PDF Download)
- Construction Sequence 6 Bridge Opens (PDF Download)
Get Abobe Acrobat Reader
The meeting agendas and minutes are provided in Adobe PDF format. If you do not have a PDF viewer you can download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader at http://get.adobe.com/reader.