Public Hearings Scheduled for Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study

​The Maryland Transportation Authority has announced a series of public hearings for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study, giving residents an opportunity to review plans for a new Bay Bridge crossing and provide public input.

The hearings, scheduled for February 2026, will focus on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and the agency’s recommended preferred option, known as Alternative C, which was announced in December. The Federal Highway Administration is expected to issue a final decision in Fall 2026 after reviewing public and agency comments.

One of the in-person hearings will be held in Queen Anne’s County on Thursday, February 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kent Island High School. An open house will begin at 5 p.m., followed by live public testimony starting at 6 p.m. A virtual public hearing will also be held on February 9, with another in-person session scheduled in Anne Arundel County on February 10.

The recommended alternative includes construction of two new four-lane bridge spans across the Chesapeake Bay, removal of the existing Bay Bridge spans, widening portions of U.S. 50/301 near the bridge approaches, and potential transit improvements. An optional bicycle and pedestrian shared-use path is also being evaluated.

Residents can review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and register to provide testimony at baycrossingstudy.com. Public comments will be accepted through March 9, 2026, and may be submitted online, by mail, email, phone, or during the hearings.
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Officials say all public input will be considered as part of the final environmental review and decision-making process.