MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (MDTA) has submitted the Joint Federal/State Application for the alteration of any Floodplain Waterway or Tidal Wetland in Maryland, with associated plans and forms, to obtain authorization for construction of pier protections at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. In addition, a Water Quality Certification (WQC) request was submitted to the Department. Two public informational hearings will be held for this project. Enclosed is a description of the proposed work, associated plans, and notice for Public Hearings to provide oral testimony.
Project Details:
The project will include construction of a protection system to the piers closest to the main navigation spans that accommodate inbound and outbound vessel traffic in the federal navigation channel. The protection structures are designed to protect the Chesapeake Bay Bridge against vessel impacts, mainly the four towers supporting the main spans of the Eastbound and Westbound Bay Bridges adjacent to the federal navigation channel. The total proposed permanent impacts are 147,280 square feet of fill (3.38 acres) within State tidal waters. Mitigation for impacts to the Chesapeake Bay resulting in loss of open water may be assessed.
Below are the proposed project plans:
Project information can be found at MDTA’s Project Page: https://mdta.maryland.gov/BayBridgeProtection
Hearing Details:
Two public informational hearings were held to gather testimony and information to assist the MDE in its evaluation of applications for a Tidal Wetlands License.
Anne Arundel County Hearing
Date Held: Monday, April 20, 2026
Location: Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold Campus, 101 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD 21012
Hearing Transcript available
HERE
Queen Anne's County Hearing
Date Held: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Location: Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department, 1610 Main St., Chester, MD 21619
Hearing Transcript available
HERE
The public comment period for this project closed on April 30, 2026.
