Maryland Spending $5 Million to Study Another Span for the Bay Bridge

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has thrown support behind a study to add a third span to the Bay Bridge that spans the Chesapeake Bay.

1 minute read

September 1, 2016, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Scandium / Shutterstock

"Gov. Larry Hogan said Tuesday that the state will spend $5 million and up to four years studying where to put — and how to pay for — a possible third span across the Chesapeake Bay," reports Erin Cox. The bridge could potentially cost $6.85 billion.

"The congested and aging Bay Bridge has vexed transportation planners for decades," according to Cox. Apparently the construction of the bridge is still sturdy, and will remain so until 2065. "But increased traffic is projected to cause daily 13-mile backups by 2040 unless a new span is built." The bridge currently carries about 70,000 vehicles a day. That total is expected to grow to 92,000 by 2040. The Bay Bridge "carries U.S. 50 and 301 from Anne Arundel County on the Western Shore across the Chesapeake to Queen Anne's County on the Eastern Shore," according to Cox.

The Hogan Administration has taken congestion relief considerations further than previous politicians by commissioning this study, and Governor Hogan has shown support for highway projects in the past, while also refusing to fund the now defunct $2.9 billion Baltimore Red Line light rail project.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016 in The Baltimore Sun

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist