Maryland clears Alternative C for new Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans

The Federal Highway Administration has approved the final environmental review and selected Alternative C for the next Chesapeake Bay crossing, giving the Maryland Transportation Authority a defined path toward replacing the existing bridge spans.

The selected alternative calls for two new four-lane spans with full shoulders, removal of the existing spans and widening US 50/301 to eight lanes between west of Oceanic Drive and east of Cox Creek. The plan also provides 230 feet of navigational clearance, includes a proposed one-time transit commitment of up to $40 million and leaves a bicycle and pedestrian path subject to a later financial analysis.

Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chair Katie Thomson said the decision completes the study phase and establishes a roadmap for the next stage. MDTA expects design to begin in 2028 and says construction could start as soon as 2032.

The authority estimates the approved crossing would add $23 billion to the local economy and create more than 60,000 jobs. Those are economic-impact projections, not a disclosed project budget or awarded contract value. The release does not state a total capital cost or procurement schedule.

For engineering and construction firms, the Record of Decision is a significant planning milestone, but it is not an open solicitation. The next announced milestone is design work in 2028; individual design, environmental, financing and construction packages will require separate official notices.