Maryland and Tennessee Plan Major Bridge Replacements

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) proposes replacing both the eastbound and westbound spans of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge due to their age and growing traffic demands, particularly during the summer. This initiative follows a study initiated in 2017 and aims for completion by 2026, with public feedback sessions scheduled for December. The new spans are expected to be built near the existing ones, which will be demolished, and though the number of lanes is undecided, they aim to improve traffic flow. Meanwhile, in Memphis, Tennessee, a new Interstate 55 bridge over the Mississippi River is planned to replace the existing 75-year-old structure. The project, which involves contributions from both the Arkansas and Tennessee Departments of Transportation, is in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and completion by 2030. Public hearings are being held to gather community input on both these significant infrastructure projects.