BAY BRIDGE TRANSPORTATION – May 2013

The National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA) study for a potential Bay Bridge replacement and/or third Bridge crossing, is a requirement under Federal law. The BCC has worked with Senators John Astle and E.J. Pipkin in supporting legislation they have sponsored to fund the study. This is part of the BCC’s commitment to work with our government agencies to improve traffic flow in the Broadneck Peninsula.

Bill Nevel, our BCC Board Director for Transportation, was appointed by the County to represent Broadneck on the Transportation Functional Master Plan (TFMP) Committee. Bill focused on the traffic and Bridge problems on Rte #50 to include the need for the NEPA study for reconstruction and/or replacement of the Bay Bridge that is deemed to be at or near “end of life.”

Additionally, improvements to the Severn River Bridge are dependent on the upgrades that must be planned for the eastbound Bay Bridge span. Projections for increased traffic on this major artery provided by Senators Pipkin and Astle, are extraordinary and demand strong action to improve the infrastructure by widening the roadway and/or replacing or rebuilding the Bridges. This will take years to accomplish and millions of dollars in cost.

MDTA has not supported the request for funds for this NEPA study although the cost could be absorbed by the expenditure of one year of Bay Bridge tolls which are directed towards road and bridge projects in other areas of the State. MDTA has now offered to fund ($800K-$1M) a:

“Bay Bridge Life-Cycle Cost Analysis to begin this April 2013. This analysis will determine when a new crossing should be constructed and operational. The study will develop various concepts for a replacement crossing at the existing locations, constructability, maintenance of traffic during construction and pedestrian/bicycle options.”

The BCC is concerned that this study be designed such that its methodology and conclusions may be integrated into any required NEPA studies — so that the NEPA effort doesn’t repeat the Bay Bridge Life-Cycle Cost Analysis.

This study will take 18-24 months to complete using a significant commitment of resources and should determine the condition of the Bridge and affirm its timespan to ensure repair and replacement of the structure when necessary.