project includes the replacement of the deck floor system, barrier upgrades, structural rehabilitation of the steel superstructure, replacement of the suspension span barrier wall, lane-use signal gantry replacements, utility relocations, and off-site stormwater management work. The MDTA designed the project to ensure minimal traffic impacts for residents and motorists by avoiding 24/7 lane closures. The new pre-cast deck sections were fabricated off-site and barged to the Bay Bridge. Marine-based equipment has been utilized to replace deck panels and minimize the use of lane closures for most deliveries, resulting in reduced traffic impacts. As of summer 2025, the deck panels on the Eastern Shore side of the eastbound span have been replaced. Additional work through winter 2027 includes replacing the temporary connections between deck panels with permanent concrete connection slabs, truss strengthening work west of the suspension span, and replacement of the suspension span barrier wall. Public engagement activities began ahead of the arrival of marine-based equipment to the bridge. This included the establishment of a project webpage, construction fact sheets, and distribution of a driver’s alert to notify motorists that large cranes would be visible from the bridge and remind drivers to pay attention to the road and obey overhead lane-use signals at all times. An additional alert was distributed to waterway users as part of a “Make No Wake” campaign, which established a no wake zone with enforced 6-knot speed limit. Additional driver’s alerts were distributed ahead of overnight deck replacement activities. Throughout the project, the MDTA has updated the webpage and social media with pictures of the various construction activities and created a video highlighting the overnight deck replacement process. Nice/Middleton Bridge Project In 2022, the MDTA completed construction and opened the new Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial/ Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge (US 301), replacing the original bridge built in 1940.
between June 2022 and December 2024. All three rounds of open houses included two in-person meetings (one meeting on each shore) and a virtual meeting. To date, the MDTA has received more than 4,600 public comments on the Tier 2 Study including letters, emails, website comments, public meeting comment cards, and the MDTA customer survey cards. In addition to these meetings, the Tier 2 Study team has attended 57 community events throughout the corridor to date to provide information about the Tier 2 Study and encourage public participation. The Bay Crossing Study website (www.baycrossingstudy.com) is used to share project information, advertise upcoming engagement opportunities, and gather feedback from the public. All previous meeting materials and comments received can be viewed on the website.
Key Bridge Rebuild, Test Pile Delivery
at local community events to connect with and provide information to users within project or study corridors. These engagement efforts focus on ensuring proper identification of affected or interested stakeholders and communities, timely and proactive gathering of public input on projects and studies, and efficient and effective
a central hub for news, project updates, FAQs, public hearing streams, community resources and events, surveys, and contact resources. The MDTA also initiated voluntary pre-construction property inspections for approximately 1,100 homes and businesses, launched a dedicated Facebook page, and introduced the Smooth Waters and Pardon Our Progress campaigns. Major milestones included the new bridge design unveiling, a one- year commemorative event, a job fair with Turner Station, the launch of an internship program for college students in engineering and infrastructure development, and the launch of text alerts. Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA (Tier 2 Study) The Tier 2 Study was launched in June 2022, following the identification of Corridor 7, the Corridor containing the existing Bay Bridge, as the Selected Corridor Alternative in the Tier 1 Study combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/ Record of Decision (FEIS/ROD). The purpose of the Tier 2 Study is to address existing and future transportation capacity needs and access across the Chesapeake Bay and at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge approaches along the US 50/301 corridor. Public engagement activities were initiated shortly after the launch of the Tier 2 Study. Three rounds of public open houses and one virtual transit and bicycle/pedestrian listening meeting were held
communication of project information. Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on March 26, 2024, a cargo ship leaving the Port of Baltimore struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a collapse of the bridge. The MDTA team acted expeditiously to alert the public of the incident and the immediate traffic impacts and available detours. In the days and weeks that followed, the MDTA partnered with the State of Maryland and the federal government to initiate critical engagement with a call-to-action for all stakeholders to participate in the process of rebuilding the structure. Early efforts included the creation of two websites, virtual forums, community updates, surveys, and digital toolkits to ensure transparent communication and inclusive participation. In 2024, MDTA participated in 50 outreach events to engage stakeholders and share critical updates. In 2025, the MDTA expanded its outreach significantly, participating in more than 70 events and launching KeyBridgeRebuild.com as
Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement – March 2025
Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement On October 27, 2022, the MDTA Board approved a $140 million construction services contract for a portion of Phase 1 of the Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement Project, which began major construction in late fall 2023 with anticipated completion in winter 2027. Phase 1 of the Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement
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Governance, Risk, and Impact Report
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Governance, Risk, and Impact Report
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