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Nice/Middleton Bridge Project – Home

Maryland Delivers New Nice-Middleton Bridge On Budget and Three Months Ahead of Schedule, Replacing 82-Year Old Span

 

Original US 301 Nice/Middleton Bridge Decommissioning and Lower Cedar Point Bar Oyster Restoration Project

During fall 2022, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) began decommissioning the original US 301 Nice/Middleton Bridge, following approved permits and using a combination of mechanical and controlled blast demolition. The full structure from shore to shore will come down by end of 2024.

Concrete from the bridge will be loaded onto a barge and transported to an artificial reef site, which provides habitat and shelter for fish and invertebrates, creating sanctuaries for diverse marine life. In total, approximately 9,500 tons of old bridge materials will be used to enhance habitat.

100% of the steel from the bridge will be recycled.

As another feature of the project, MDTA has worked with partner agencies to create newly seeded oyster bed on the 148-acre natural Lower Cedar Point Bar, advancing Maryland’s clean water goals. We are making great strides at improving habitat for striped bass, bluefish, oysters, and other fish in tidewater Maryland locations. The MDTA worked with Potomac River Fisheries Commission to plant nearly 12 million live oysters over the Bar. The oysters planted were dime to quarter sized to help improve survival rate. Based on research, a single adult oyster can filter approximately 50 gallons of water a day. Two additional oyster plantings are planned for the Lower Cedar Point Bar.

Lower Cedar Point Bar

News Releases

About the Project

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) opened the new Nice/Middleton Bridge on October 12, 2022, providing the public a wider, safer crossing over the Potomac. The new bridge:

  • Eases traffic congestion by doubling the vehicle capacity with four 12-foot-wide lanes –replacing the old bridge’s two 11-foot-wide lanes
  • · Improves safety with a barrier-separated median between east- and westbound lanes, two-foot shoulders, and other improvements that meet current safety standards
  • Eliminates lane-shifting safety issues at toll booths with all-electronic tolling
  • Enables tall ships to pass beneath its 135-foot clearance

Work continues in 2023 with removal of the old bridge. Under MDTA’s supervision, the $463 million design-build job is being performed by Skanska, Corman and McLean (SCM), a joint venture comprised of firms with local ties.

The MDTA is self-sufficient and receives no gas tax, motor vehicle fees, or other revenue in the Transportation Trust Fund. The MDTA facilities are fully financed, operated, maintained, improved, and protected with toll revenues paid by customers using those facilities.

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Think of it as E-Z money! All-Electronic Tolling is Statewide - DriveEzMD.comMDTA has made all-electronic tolling permanent statewide, making E-ZPass Maryland even better for our customers. Learn more about how cashless tolling works, the benefits of cashless tolling and how to get an E-ZPass Maryland transponder.

Additional Information

Nice/Middleton Bridge Project Archive: 

April 2023 Bicycle System Informational Open House 

Fact Sheets

Public Alerts

Mariner Alerts

Environmental Planning Studies

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Public Calendar

Jul 28

Public Event 7 27

3:01 PM

Point Breeze

Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals and organizations to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and adopt more sustainable habits. The initiative raises awareness about the environmental impacts of plastic waste and highlights practical ways to reduce consumption, protect natural resources, and support a cleaner future.

Potomac Waterway

At MDOT, Plastic Free July aligns with the department’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Small changes in daily habits can collectively make a significant impact, helping to reduce waste and support ongoing steps to create a more sustainable transportation system and workplace.

Employees can support Plastic Free July by reducing their use of single-use plastics, choosing reusable alternatives, and properly recycling materials when possible. From bringing a reusable water bottle to using reusable shopping bags, every action contributes to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.

Jul 31

PE723

12:00 PM

IT TEST

Public Event - Test


The Nissan was crunched (this is old...)

Aug 06

Capital Committee Meeting

9:00 AM

Livestream

This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the Capital Committee Meeting Homepage. The Capital Committee Meeting homepage also provides access to the virtual meeting, schedule, agenda, materials and minutes.