With public hearings nearing, the Talbot County Council recently discussed its continued opposition to a bridge crossing the Chesapeake Bay from the western shore to Talbot County.

Three options for a new Chesapeake Bay crossing remain under consideration, but traffic and environmental studies indicate it should be located next to the two existing spans, seen here as Corridor 7.
Although the Talbot crossing (Corridor 8) is one of three options still being considered for a new bridge over the Bay, traffic, environmental, and other studies have found that locating a third bridge next to the two existing spans is the best alternative.
The Maryland Transportation Authority has selected that option (Corridor 7) as its recommended and preferred site for a third bridge.
According to the executive summary of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS), Corridor 7 had substantial advantages over the other two remaining corridors.
The advantages of Corridor 7 included:
- Better congestion relief at the existing Bay Bridge
- More effective reduction of duration of unacceptable level of services
- More effective backup reduction at the Bay Bridge
- Better compatibility with existing land-use patterns likely resulting in fewer indirect effects
- The best diversion route and overall incident management
- Potential for lower environmental impacts particularly to Chesapeake Bay aquatic resources
The purpose of the Bay Crossing Study is to consider corridors for providing additional capacity and access across the Chesapeake Bay in order to improve mobility, travel reliability, and safety at the existing Bay Bridge.
The MDTA has provided two options for public input on the DEIS, including a Public Hearing Virtual Information Room (VIR) and Live Testimony Sessions.
The live testimony will consist of four call-in sessions, with two in-person opportunities also available. Each testimony session will include the opportunity to provide public and one-on-one testimony.
There will be no formal presentation during the testimony sessions, and no responses to questions will be given. Due to the current COVID-19 health crisis and MDTA’s commitment to protect the public and agency members, the public is encouraged to provide public testimony through the call-in sessions.
Public Hearing Virtual Information Room (VIR)
The DEIS and public hearing materials are available for review in the Virtual Information Room (VIR). The public is encouraged to review these materials and provide comment. If you are unable to access the DEIS via the website or if additional assistance is required, please call 877-249-8370 or email the project team.
In the VIR, attendees will have the opportunity to:
- review information on the Tier 1 DEIS and the MDTA-Recommended Preferred Corridor Alternative
- register to give public or one-on-one testimony
- learn how to submit and provide written comments
Live testimony sessions begin in mid-April
Live testimony sessions begin April 14, with call-in sessions set for 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. April 14 and 15. Click here to Register to provide call-in testimony.
In-person testimony sessions are set for 6-8 p.m. April 21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis, 210 Holiday Court, in Annapolis; and 6-8 p.m. April 22 at the Kent Island American Legion Hall, 800 Romancoke Road, in Stevensville.
To register to provide in-person testimony, please call 877-249-8370.
The MDTA will accept comments on the Bay Crossing Study Tier 1 DEIS through May 10.
For more information, go to www.baycrossingstudy.com.
BCS DEIS Executive Summary February 2021This video is about 14 minutes long.