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Maryland Transportation Authority Announces Public Hearings for Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) announced upcoming public hearings for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. These hearings will provide the public with an opportunity to review project information 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, which was announced in December. Following the hearings, MDTA will continue its analysis after reviewing public and agency comments. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is expected to issue a combined Final EIS and Record of Decision in Fall 2026.

MDTA and FHWA will host both virtual and in-person public hearings, providing opportunities for interested parties to:

• Review the alternatives and environmental impacts evaluated in the Draft EIS
• Learn more about the MDTA’s Recommended Preferred Alternative
• Provide public testimony

The Draft EIS is available online at www.baycrossingstudy.com and at in-person viewing locations listed on the website. Individuals unable to access the Draft EIS online may call 1-667-203-5408 for assistance.

Public Hearing Schedule

Virtual Public Hearing

Monday, February 9, 2026
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Website: www.baycrossingstudy.com

Anne Arundel County Public Hearing

Tuesday, February 10, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Broadneck High School
 1265 Green Holly Drive
 Annapolis, MD 21409

Queen Anne’s County Public Hearing

Thursday, February 12, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Kent Island High School
 900 Love Point Road
 Stevensville, MD 21666

Hearing Format & Testimony

Each public hearing will include:

• An open house beginning at 5:00 p.m., allowing attendees to review project displays and materials
• A brief presentation, followed by live public testimony, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Individuals wishing to provide testimony are encouraged to pre-register at www.baycrossingstudy.com. Those unable to access the website may call 1-667-203-5408.

All hearing materials are available online at www.baycrossingstudy.com.

If hearing locations are closed due to inclement weather, updated hearing information will be posted on the project website.

MDTA’s Recommended Preferred Alternative – Alternative C Includes:

• Two new four-lane bridge spans with full shoulders across the Chesapeake Bay, enhancing safety while improving transportation capacity, reliability, and mobility
• Removal of the existing Bay Bridge spans, addressing roadway deficiencies such as narrow lanes and lack of shoulders, eliminating the need for major rehabilitation projects, and increasing navigational clearance to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements
  • Navigational clearance would be 230 feet, allowing larger ships to access the Port of Baltimore
• Widening of US 50/301 to eight lanes (four lanes 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
• An optional bicycle and pedestrian shared-use path, which MDTA will continue to evaluate for potential inclusion

Public Comment Period

MDTA is accepting comments on the Draft EIS and the Recommended Preferred Alternative through March 9, 2026.

Comments may be submitted:

• Via mail
• Via email
• Through the project website
• Through public or private testimony
• By phone at 1-667-203-5408

All comments received will be given equal consideration and addressed in the Final EIS and Record of Decision.

Project Background

In coordination with FHWA, MDTA is following the federally mandated NEPA process to evaluate alternatives that address current and future transportation needs across the Chesapeake Bay and along the U.S. 50/301 approaches—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.

Accessibility & Accommodations

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 (or 711 for MD Relay) no later than five (5) business days prior to the hearing they wish to attend.