MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING STUDY

BALTIMORE (January 23, 2026) – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) today announced public hearings for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which will provide the public an opportunity to review the project and submit comments and testimony. 

The hearings, scheduled for February 2026, will focus on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the MDTA’s Recommended Preferred Alternative – Alternative C, announced in December. MDTA will continue its analysis following review of public and agency comments. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is expected to issue a combined Final EIS and Record of Decision in Fall 2026. 

In February, MDTA and FHWA will hold virtual and in-person public hearings, providing opportunities for interested parties to review the alternatives and environmental impacts evaluated in the Draft EIS, learn about the MDTA’s Recommended Preferred Alternative, and offer testimony. The Draft EIS is available online at baycrossingstudy.com and in person at viewing locations listed on the website. Individuals who are unable to access the Draft EIS may call 1-667-203-5408 for assistance. 

Virtual Public Hearing

Monday, February 9, 2026, 6-8 p.m.

www.baycrossingstudy.com

Anne Arundel County Public Hearing

Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 5-8 p.m.

Broadneck High School

1265 Green Holly Drive, Annapolis, MD 21409

Queen Anne’s County Public Hearing

Thursday, February 12, 2026, 5-8 p.m.

Kent Island High School 

900 Love Point Road, Stevensville, MD 21666

Each public hearing will include a brief presentation followed by live testimony. Individuals wishing to provide testimony should visit baycrossingstudy.com to pre-register. If you cannot access the project website, call 1-667-203-5408. 

In-person public hearings will feature an open house format beginning at 5 p.m., allowing attendees time to view project displays and materials. Live testimony sessions will begin at 6 p.m. All hearing materials are available at baycrossingstudy.com. 

If the hearing locations are closed due to inclement weather, please visit baycrossingstudy.comfor new hearing dates. 

The MDTA’s Recommended Preferred Alternative, Alternative C includes:

• Two new four-lane bridge spans with full shoulders across the Chesapeake Bay, enhancing safety while providing additional transportation capacity, reliability and mobility; 

• Removal of the existing Bay Bridge spans, addressing existing roadway deficiencies including narrow lanes and lack of shoulders, eliminating the need for major rehabilitation projects and associated lane closures and delays, and increasing navigational clearance to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements. The navigational clearance will be 230 feet, allowing larger ships to access the Port of Baltimore; 

• Widening of US 50/301 to eight lanes (four per direction) from west of Oceanic Drive to east of Cox Creek to accommodate transitions to the new crossing;

• Financial commitments for transit-related improvements; and

• An optional bicycle and pedestrian shared-use path, which the MDTA will further evaluate to determine if it should be included.

MDTA is accepting comments on the Draft EIS and MDTA’s Recommended Preferred Alternative through March 9, 2026. Comments may be submitted via mail, email, the project website, public or private testimony, or by phone at 1-667-203-5408. All comments received will be given equal consideration and will be addressed in the Final EIS and Record of Decision.

In coordination with FHWA, MDTA is following the federally mandated NEPA process to evaluate alternatives that address existing and future transportation capacity needs across the Chesapeake Bay and along the U.S. 50/301 approaches to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from the MD 2/MD 450 Interchange near Arnold to the U.S. 50/301 split near Grasonville. NEPA review is required for all major federal actions, including those involving federal funding or approvals.

Individuals who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services at no cost should contact MDTA at 410-537-1000 (711 for MD Relay) no later than five (5) business days prior to the hearing they wish to attend.

The Maryland Transportation Authority finances, owns, operates, secures and improves the state’s eight toll facilities. The MDTA is financed by toll revenue without relying on state tax dollars.