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Maryland Approves Plan to Replace Bay Bridge With Two New Four-Lane Spans

The vote advances a $15–$17 billion replacement into federal review, triggering public hearings in early 2026.

Overview

  • The MDTA Board voted unanimously for Alternative C, calling for two new four-lane bridges with full shoulders and the removal of the existing spans.
  • The project includes widening U.S. 50/301 to eight lanes between Oceanic Drive and Cox Creek to accommodate traffic transitions to the new crossing.
  • New spans would provide about 230 feet of vertical clearance, aligning with Key Bridge standards and allowing larger ships access to the Port of Baltimore.
  • A shared-use bicycle and pedestrian path was not included and remains under evaluation, with officials estimating it would add roughly $1 billion.
  • NEPA review now proceeds with public comment in late January and hearings in February 2026, a federal Record of Decision anticipated in fall 2026, design possible in 2028, and construction potentially starting in summer 2032.