Repairing The Bay Bridge

The re-decking project on the westbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge has been a source of frustration for many in our area. Those who travel the bridge and those who live in the areas close to the bridge have suffered the seemingly endless traffic that not only chokes Route 50, but also clogs the side roads into communities.

This project, while incredibly inconvenient, is vitally important for the safety of everyone who travels the bridge. The right lane of the westbound span is in serious need of repair. In most of the lane, half of the area is patched and deteriorated. In one area in particular, 75% of the lane is patched and deteriorated. This is not work that can be delayed.

While delaying this project is not an option, Governor Larry Hogan has announced additional steps the state will take to expedite the project and mitigate the traffic backups. The state can and will do a better job in working with local governments, communicating with the public, and doing everything possible to mitigate traffic.

The governor announced that the Department of Transportation will make every effort to expedite the project, and crews will work 24 hours a day. In addition, the Maryland Transit Authority will eliminate the toll booths and move to all-electronic tolling on the bridge as soon as possible.

Furthermore, the Department of Transportation, State Highway Administration, and the Maryland State Police will assist in improving the flow and direction of traffic. Finally, administration officials will redouble efforts to seek input from local leaders and residents, and traffic engineers will work with Queen Anne's and Anne Arundel County leaders to negotiate a solution and find a balanced approach to westbound and eastbound traffic approaching the bridge.

I appreciate the Hogan administration’s efforts to identify and address the problems with this project and move forward with equitable solutions that allow this important project to continue.

If you plan on traveling over the Bay Bridge, you can always check traffic conditions with the live traffic cameras by visiting www.chart.maryland.gov/trafficcameras.