Federal Approval Advances Plans to Replace Chesapeake Bay Bridges
Published Date: 11/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Highway Administration has given the green light to improve U.S. 50/301 and replace the Chesapeake Bay Bridges in Maryland. This means new bridges will be built, and the old ones will be taken down, affecting drivers and local communities. If anyone wants to challenge these decisions, they must act by April 8, 2027, or lose their chance.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Final Approval to Replace Bay Bridge
If you drive on U.S. 50/301 or live in nearby communities, FHWA has issued final approvals to build replacement Chesapeake Bay Bridge(s) and to demolish the current Bay Bridge. The notice was published in the Federal Register on November 9, 2026, and the Tier 2 Combined FEIS and ROD describe the approved Project.
Deadline to Challenge FHWA Decisions
If you want to file a legal challenge to these Federal agency actions, your claim must be filed on or before April 8, 2027, or it will be barred. If another Federal law provides a shorter filing period (less than 150 days), that shorter period applies instead.
Approvals Taken Under Environmental and Relocation Laws
FHWA's final approvals for the Project were taken under multiple Federal laws including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671(q)), Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544), Section 4(f) and Section 106 historic review, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 42 U.S.C. 12101), Clean Water Act, CERCLA, RCRA, and others listed in the notice.
Public Access to Project Documents
You can view and download the Tier 2 Combined Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), Record of Decision (ROD), and supporting technical reports from the project website at https://baycrossingstudy.com/ or by contacting FHWA at the Maryland Division address listed in the notice.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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