Maryland’s $15 billion bridge project gains key approval

The Maryland Transit Authority said the project will create over 60,000 jobs and add $23 billion to the local economy.

1 minute read

November 10, 2026, 8:00 AM PST

By Zachary Whalen


A bridge over the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

The state will remove the old bridges as part of the project, and said the new bridges will have double the capacity of the current infrastructure. | Khairil Azhar Junos

The Maryland Transit Authority has gained environmental approval for its multi-billion dollar Chesapeake Bay Crossing project, which will see two new four-lane bridges span the bay. Officials expect the project to cost between $15 and $17 billion dollars; construction is slated to begin in 2032.

The state will remove the old bridges as part of the project, and said the new bridges will have double the capacity of the current infrastructure. The MTA also said the project will create over 60,000 jobs and add $23 billion to the local economy. 

“The project also includes the widening of U.S. 50/301 to eight lanes from west of Oceanic Drive to east of Cox Creek to support traffic transitions to the new crossing. The transportation authority said it will also consider adding a bike and pedestrian path along the bridge,” Thomas Robertson writes for WTOP News. 

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