MARYLAND – The two spans that comprise the Bay Bridge are 50 and 70 years old. Now, FOX 5 is learning about some of the proposals for a fix or replacement.

For decades, families across the DMV headed to the beaches have loaded up for a journey to the beach. Part of that process is often some time in traffic at or near the Bay Bridge.

The State of Maryland knows it doesn’t have to be that way and started the process a few years ago about a potential fix. After initial studies, they’ve determined the bridge should remain in the same general location it is now. There was earlier consideration of other spots along the bay.

In a 50-page document, the Maryland Transportation Authority lays out the options they’re recommending at this point, and ones that they’re not.

For example, due to cost and environmental impact, the MDTA is recommending a bridge instead of a tunnel.

There are seven configurations that are being looked at most closely. Six of those options involve a new bridge and different numbers of lanes and configurations. The seventh option is a rehabilitation of the current bridge.

The MDTA is hosting three listening sessions to get feedback from drivers and stakeholders. Click here to see open house information.

“We’re hoping the public will come to provide input on the number of lanes—how big should we be building a bridge, how many lanes for the future, do we need to make it more affordable, do we need to just meet what we’re expecting or do we need to plan beyond that, and what kind of transit or shared use options,” said Bruce Gartner, the Executive Director of the Maryland Transportation Authority.

The Authority plans to decide what to do by the end of 2026.

Jacqueline McLee crosses the Bay Bridge often to visit her son in Delaware. She thinks something needs to change, but 10 lanes might be too many for her.

“I don’t know what to think. It’s good and bad. It makes me nervous, that’s a lot of lanes, it’s a lot of work. I don’t know about that one,” McLee said.

Jacqueline’s husband, Marny, welcomes some sort of expansion.

“There’s so much traffic flowing through here back and forth during the summer time and holidays, so it’ll definitely make a big difference and get across the bridge a little quicker,” he said.

Open House Information

Virtual
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
(6-8 p.m.)
baycrossingstudy.com

Submit a Question

Anne Arundel County
Monday, December 9, 2024
(6-8 p.m.)
Broadneck High School
1265 Green Holly Dr.
Annapolis, MD 21409

Queen Anne’s County
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
(6-8 p.m.)
Kent Island High School
900 Love Point Road
Stevensville, MD 21666

Despite rain on Sunday ending the Baltimore area’s dry spell, the statewide burn ban is still in effect because of factors including dry conditions, low humidity and strong winds, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

The burn ban began Nov. 1 and means charcoal burning, fire pits and campfires — any fire that is not contained and where sparks could fly off, hit leaves and start a fire — are not permitted, under penalty of a fine, said A.J. Metcalf, a DNR spokesperson.

The order, which covers public and private spaces, does not include propane use for grilling, or flames in a receptacle other than an incinerator, furnace or equipment that has a stack or chimney.

Violators could be fined $300, according to the DNR. Previous statewide burn bans have lasted anywhere from one to eight weeks.

Weather conditions must return to normal seasonal patterns with cooler temperatures and more frequent rainfall before the burn ban can be lifted, according to a press release from the DNR.

There have been 50 wildland fires in Maryland that have burned more than 110 acres since Oct. 1, according to the DNR. As of Tuesday, “five of those fires are contained and actively staffed, 15 are contained and monitored by patrol, and 30 are out.”

Maryland isn’t the only state with a burn ban in place. “Outdoor fire restrictions are also in place for the entire State of Delaware and several Pennsylvania counties. In most areas of Maryland, trees have dropped a significant portion of their leaves, contributing to the ongoing fire risk,” according to the DNR.

On Sunday, most places got a quarter of an inch of rain or less, said Austin Mansfield, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

The rain ended the area’s longest dry spell since 1963, and Mansfield said that any rain is still beneficial to the area despite the burn ban still being in place.

“Continue to heed to burn bans and know just because it rains a little, it doesn’t mean it necessarily alleviates everything with drought concerns and fire weather concerns,” he said.

The next best chance at rain will be Thursday afternoon, Mansfield said.

As for wind, he said Tuesday had gusts up to 25 to 35 mph. The strong winds will die down by Thursday but will pick up Friday and Saturday with 10 to 15 mph winds as part of a cold front.

The strong winds continue to be an elevated threat for fires through the month until there is more precipitation, Mansfield said.