The Bay Bridge’s Future is Now!

The study on where to place a new Bay Bridge span is taking the last comment from the Public for about one more month. The Bridge situation is one that affects all of us. The Study (NEPA Tier 1) was performed to decide what location to use. The Study was done in an inexpensive way, ($5 million as opposed to the normal $25-30 Million). The conclusion looks to be fixing on the current bridge location. The only real metric used was the volume of traffic that can be moved over the bridge. Little thought has been put into the requirements and effects on the Broadneck, or if another location would provide other economic and redundancy benefits while reducing Broadneck traffic (this is supposed to be covered under a comprehensive “Purpose & Need” review of each corridor.)

You will have seen a number of comments in the newspaper, now it is time for you to comment to the Maryland and Federal authorities that will be deciding the Broadneck’s future. Is a larger, reconfigured Broadneck Corridor the best choice for a “quick fix” (still 15 years away at least) that minimizes the process issues? Or would the halt of the current process, and a more thorough study of all the benefits of alternative corridors possibly produce a longer term benefit to the Broadneck and Maryland? Or would the “No Build” option (always present in these studies) be your preference?

Contact your representatives in the MD legislature, the County Executive, MD federal elected officials, and present your testimony online April 14 & 15th, or in person April 21st (in Annapolis) (https://baycrossingstudy.com/public-involvement/upcoming-meetings). Written opinion can be submitted as well until May 10th (https://baycrossingstudy.com/public-involvement/deis-submit-comments).

This Bridge study will have a major impact on our community whatever the outcome. Please consider providing your input to the commission, NOW!