Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge

In Historic Dedication Ceremony of New Potomac River Crossing

Maryland Delivers New Nice-Middleton Bridge On Budget and Three Months Ahead of Schedule, Replacing 82-Year Old Span

• News Release: In Historic Ceremony, Governor Hogan Dedicates New Potomac River Crossing 10-12-2022
• Information about the Nice Bridge Approach Improvement Project.

Opened on October 12, 2022, this 1.7-mile, four-lane bridge is located on US 301 and spans the Potomac River from Newburg, Md., to Dahlgren, Va. 

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) replaced the existing Nice/Middleton Bridge with a new bridge that provides customers with: 

• Double the vehicle capacity with four 12-foot-wide lanes, replacing the old bridge’s two 11-foot-wide lanes 
• Improve safety by installing a barrier-separated median between east- and westbound lanes, adding two-foot shoulders and other improvements that meet current safety standards 
• Eliminate lane-shifting safety issues at toll booths by replacing them with all-electronic tolling 
• Enable tall ships to pass beneath its 135-foot clearance 

Construction started in July 2020 and the new bridge opened on October 12, 2022. Under MDTA’s supervision, the $463 million design-build job is being performed by Skanska, Corman and McLean (SCM), a joint venture comprised of firms with local ties.  

The MDTA is self-sufficient and receives no gas tax, motor vehicle fees, or other revenue in the Transportation Trust Fund. The MDTA facilities are fully financed, operated, maintained, improved, and protected with toll revenues paid by customers using those facilities. 

017 traffic volume - 6.8 million vehicles.

Starting June 10, 2023, bicyclists will be allowed to cross the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge (US 301) over the Potomac River between Newburg, Maryland and Dahlgren, VA from dawn to dusk on Saturday, Sundays and State holidays. 

• FAQs for Bicyclists & Motorists