Maryland recently completed a two-year study on the Chesapeake Bay Bridgethat included three recommendations for new crossings. The state is looking at potential bridges between Pasadena and Rock Hall, between Mayo and Easton, and alongside the current spans between Arnold and Kent Island. These sites, along with a "no build" option will be presented at community meetings throughout Maryland.
The first environmental impact statement is not expected to be completed until 2021, and at this time the announced alignments are preliminary. The logistical questions about new highway alignment, impacts on parks and the existing road network are still unanswered.
The MDTA is holding six public meetings to discuss these bridge options. Only one will be held in Anne Arundel County, which is the site for all three proposed build options.
The public meetings will be held from 6 PM to 8 PM on:
- September 24 at Kent County High School in Worton
- September 25 at Queen Anne's County High School in Centreville
- September 26 at Calvert High School in Prince Frederick
- October 1 at Middle River Middle School in Middle River
- October 2 at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold (in the dining hall in the student center, located across from Parking Lot A)
- October 3 at Talbot County Community Center in Easton
Since the release of the options, Governor Hogan has announced that the only option he would accept is adding another span at the existing bridge alignment, despite the fact that traffic analyses, alignments, and environmental impact statements are yet to be completed. These options do not explore variable toll pricing, mass transit, or other methods of managing congestion at peak times. Last legislative session, Senator Reilly introduced a bill that would have given Anne Arundel County the same right as the Eastern Shore counties to veto a new toll road or bridge, but the bill did not pass.
