We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge?

By C. Holder
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,548
Share

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a dual-span bridge that spans the Chesapeake Bay and connects the eastern and western shores of Maryland in the United States. Officially named the William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge after the governor of Maryland when construction began, it opened to the public as a two-lane highway in 1952. Its length of 4.32 miles (6.95 km) made it the longest over-water steel bridge at the time. A parallel span with three lanes was opened in 1973. Although all five lanes of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge technically are reversible, the newer span typically carries two westbound lanes and one reversible lane, with the original bridge carrying the eastbound lanes.

Before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge was built, trips between the Eastern Shore of Maryland and its Western Shore were lengthy and time-consuming. Ferries could not keep up with the demand. In 1938, the Maryland General Assembly authorized a bridge to be built between Kent Island and Annapolis, but World War II hampered the beginning of construction. Groundbreaking for the bridge finally occurred in 1949. Construction of the second span began in 1969.

The newer span was designed to be a modernized replica of the original bridge, but there are differences in their structures. Both spans feature a 1,600-foot (488-m) suspension bridge and a 690-foot (210-m) secondary bridge. The newer span, however, has taller suspension towers that have horizontal support beams, compared with the crisscrossing support beams of the older span's towers. The trusses on the new span are below the road as well, giving drivers and passengers a clear view of the bay. The newer span's secondary bridge is a steel arch structure, compared with the the cantilever design of the original span.

Commonly known as the Bay Bridge, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge connects the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., metropolitan areas to the more recreational Eastern Shore. It is heavily traveled in summertime and peak hours. The bridge is operated by the Maryland Transportation Authority, and a toll is charged for eastbound traffic. Cars are not permitted to pass other cars on the bridge.

Studies have been conducted to determine whether another bridge is needed either at the current site or farther north at Millers Island. These studies have estimated that traffic would increase, but a decision about another bridge had not been made by early 2011. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge's dual spans receive regular maintenance, including replacement of deck sections.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-chesapeake-bay-bridge.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.