Transportation Officials Talk About New Bay Bridge Crossing

New Chesapeake Bay crossing narrowed to 3 areas near bridge

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland transportation officials have narrowed the possibilities for a new crossing over the Chesapeake Bay to three areas near the current Bay Bridge.

The Maryland Transportation Authority made the announcement Tuesday. It included a fourth option of not building a new bay crossing.

Transportation officials say data indicates the three areas near the current bridge are the only corridors to sufficiently meet the purpose and need in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

Jim Ports, the transportation authority’s executive director, says building the crossing in the same corridor as the existing Bay Bridge “would have the most positive impact on reducing traffic.”

The proposals narrow the possibilities from 14 that were first considered.

Six open houses in September and October are scheduled for public review of the proposals.