Where should a new Chesapeake Bay Bridge be built? Maryland asks the public

Where should the new bridge be built across the Chesapeake Bay?

The state of Maryland is asking for the public's help with that high-stakes question.

"People have been talking about a new crossing for years, but this is the first real, tangible step toward doing it," Heather Lowe, the Maryland Transportation Authority project manager, said of the $5 million study.

Gov. Larry Hogan launched the Tier 1 National Environmental Policy Act Study in 2016 in an effort to relieve miles-long backups that occur on the existing side-by-side expanses. Traffic is particularly snarled during summer weekends as tourists flock to the beach.

The study is expected to be completed in 2020. A list of proposed corridors is scheduled to be released for public review during the winter of 2018-2019, according to MDTA.

The Tier 1 study is seeking to meet environmental regulatory agency concurrence as well as agreement from the Eastern Shore counties on one crossing location. The study will include traffic, engineering and environmental analyses; cost-per-mile estimates; preliminary financing and procurement options; and an economic and land-use study.

BACKGROUND: A 3rd Chesapeake Bay bridge? Hogan says study to begin

The study area stretches from Point Lookout to Havre de Grace.

The deadline for the initial round of comments is Dec. 15. Comments can be submitted at baycrossingstudy.com.