Broadneck 2016 Year in Review Pt.2 – Bay Bridge Future

Study Plans Needed for Replacing or Moving the Bay Bridge

Our main focus during the 2nd half of this year has been the transportation problems.

The Bay Bridge is aging, and traffic is increasing. Before any improvements or rerouting of the Bay Bridge can take place, a large, long term federal study (known by the acronym “NEPA”) must be done. It takes 5-7 years to complete. We can end up behind the eight ball if real planning does not start soon.

We have had excellent support from State Senator Ed Reilly who has initiated meetings for the BCC with the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff –Jeannie Haddaway Riccio –(who has transportation responsibilities for Governor Hogan). Ms. Riccio hosted a key session for the BCC that included DOT Secretary Pete Rahn, Sen. Ed Reilly, District #5 Councilman Michael Peroutka and Pat Lynch-(BCC), to discuss our #1 concern which is plans and funding for the improvement of our Rte #50/301 corridor.

We received a commitment from Secretary Rahn (pending final approval from the Governor) for a limited $5 million dollar fund for the first Bay Bridge site location study. This analysis is performed under a NEPA sanctioned process to consider various Eastern Shore site options (and possible northern locations) for input into the follow-on NEPA Phase 1 required study. Both Bill Nevel (BCC) and Pat Lynch met with Melissa Williams, the MdTA Project Manager for this 48 month (est.) study to understand her approach and timelines for the program and to offer BCC’s involvment during the public participation phase in the 2H17 study. This newer approach is expected to shorten the 48 month analysis by a possible 20-25%. The study is in the initial phase with ongoing reports and updates to be provided to the BCC in the 1Q17.