The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has narrowed the potential third Chesapeake Bay bridge to three corridors, all of which originate in Anne Arundel County. Smart Growth Maryland supports the no-build option.
Support the No-Build Option: For decades the State of Maryland and local governments have made a considerable investment in smart growth – directing development to established communities, protecting cultural and historic resources, and preserving farmland and forests. Construction of a new span anywhere will create considerable development pressure. The construction of a new crossing and new access roads or major upgrades to existing roads will also hinder Maryland’s goal of achieving a 40% reduction in vehicle emissions by 2030.
Of the three bridge options, one would be a third span at the existing location. The others are from Pasadena to Rock Hall and then to Centreville and from the Mayo Peninsula to Easton.
A new crossing anywhere will disrupt communities, damage sensitive environmental areas, and diminish quality-of-life for residents on both sides of the Bay. The tremendous cost associated with a new bridge will divert resources from transportation projects that support sustainable development and equitable access to opportunities.
It’s time to explore alternatives to a new Bay Bridge.
As noted in The Baltimore Sun’s recent editorial, “Building nothing doesn’t mean doing nothing. It would mean investing in low-impact alternatives like ferries, rapid bus service, off-peak toll pricing and other, smarter and less costly approaches.”
SUPPORT THE NO-BUILD OPTION
Please join Smart Growth Maryland in supporting the no-build option by signing our petition, submitting written comments online, and speaking up at any of these MDTA-hosted open houses:
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, September 24, 2019, 6PM-8PM
Kent County High School
25301 Lambs Meadow Road
Worton, MD 21678
Thursday, September 26, 2019, 6PM-8PM
Calvert High School
520 Fox Run Blvd
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Tuesday, October 1, 2019, 6PM-8PM
Middle River Middle School
800 Middle River Road
Middle River, MD 21220
Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 6PM-8PM
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Pkwy
Arnold, MD 21012
Thursday, October 3, 2019, 6PM-8PM
Talbot County Community Center
10028 Ocean Gateway
Easton, MD 21601
Wednesday, October 9, 2019, 6PM-8PM
Kent Island High School
900 Love Point Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666