OPEN SESSION DECEMBER 18, 2025 PAGE 5 OF 9
Upon motion by Member Cynthia D. Penny-Ardinger and seconded by Member Dontae Carroll, the Members unanimously approved Contract No. MA-2257-0000 - Electronic Toll System (ETC 3G) Toll System and Services - Contract Modification No. 4.
APPROVAL – CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSING STUDY: TIER 2 NEPA
Ms. Melissa Williams and Ms. Heather Lowe requested MDTA Board approval of Alternative C as MDTA’s Recommended Preferred Alternative for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA and proceed with public hearings in early February 2026. They explained that the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA (Tier 2 Study) is a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study underway by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). 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 U.S. 50/301 corridor. The Tier 2 Study is evaluating measures to reduce congestion; improve travel times and reliability, mobility, and roadway deficiencies; and accommodate maintenance activities and navigation. The Tier 2 Study is also considering objectives for environmental responsibility, as well as cost and financial responsibility. They further explained MDTA’s Recommended Preferred Alternative (MDTA-RPA), Alternative C, for the Tier 2 Study. This alternative maintains the six existing lanes on the Western Shore, increases capacity to eight lanes across the Bay, and maintains the six existing lanes on the Eastern Shore. Alternative C includes a southern bridge location, with one new span located just south of the existing Bay Bridge spans and one span between the existing spans. The existing spans would be removed. It also includes transit-related and Transportation Systems Management (TSM)/Transportation Demand Management (TDM) improvements, and further consideration of a shared use path option. MDTA Board approval of this alternative is needed to move forward with the proposed February 2026 Public Hearings for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA (Tier 2 Study). Holding these hearings in February 2026 is essential to meet the federally required two-year NEPA schedule. It is anticipated that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will identify their selected alternative in their Record of Decision (ROD) in November 2026. Upon motion by Member William H. Cox, Jr. and seconded by Member Samuel D. Snead, the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA Decision: MDTA’s Recommended Preferred Alternative was unanimously approved.
APPROVAL – LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS
• Authority to Notice Registered Owners of a Class G Vehicle
Mr. Bradley Ryon requested approval from the MDTA Board for a 2026 legislative proposal to allow the MDTA to notice the owner of a Class G vehicle (trailer) when the owner of the motorized vehicle cannot be determined. Mr. Ryon explained Maryland Code, Transportation §21-1414 uses the term “motor vehicle” throughout the statute to describe MDTA’s ability to issue a Notice of Toll Due (NOTD) or Citation for toll transactions that are not paid at the time of travel via a valid E-ZPass account.
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