Tier 1 DEIS Public Hearings

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invite all interested parties to join us at our Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Bay Crossing Study Public Hearings. Originally scheduled for December, release of the DEIS was delayed due to concerns with rising state COVID-19 rates and associated restrictions. In following public health guidance and to ensure adequate opportunity for the public to comment, MDTA and its federal partners at the FHWA updated the roll-out schedule. The purpose of the Bay Crossing Study is to consider corridors for providing additional capacity and access across the Chesapeake Bay in order to improve mobility, travel reliability, and safety at the existing Bay Bridge. The Public Hearings will be made up of two components – the Public Hearing Virtual Information Room (VIR) and Live Testimony Sessions . The live testimony will consist of four call-in sessions, with two in-person opportunities also available. Each testimony session will include the opportunity to provide public and one-on-one testimony. There will be no formal presentation during the testimony sessions, and no responses to questions will be given. Due to the current COVID-19 health crisis and MDTA’s commitment to protect the public and agency members, the public is encouraged to provide public testimony through the call-in sessions. Comments may be submitted during the comment period through May 10, 2021.

Public Hearing Virtual Information Room (VIR) Begins February 23, 2021

Beginning February 23, 2021, the DEIS and public hearing materials will be available for review in the Virtual Information Room (VIR). The public is encouraged to review these materials and provide comment. If you are unable to access the DEIS via the website or if additional assistance is required, please call 877-249-8370 or email the project team.

In the VIR, attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • review information on the Tier 1 DEIS and the MDTA-Recommended Preferred Corridor Alternative
  • register to give public or one-on-one testimony
  • learn how to submit and provide written comments

Live Testimony Sessions Begin April 14, 2021

Each testimony session will follow the same format and will be broadcast on-line at baycrossingstudy.com or via telephone at 855-640-0504. Those who wish to listen live and/or leave your testimony by voicemail during the testimony session, call 855-640-0504.

Call-In Testimony Sessions

1:00 - 3:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM
April 14 and 15
Register online to provide call-in testimony at one of the Tier 1 DEIS Call-In Testimony Sessions To register for public or one-on-one testimony at a Tier 1 DEIS In-Person Testimony Session, please call 877-249-8370.

In-Person Testimony Sessions

6:00 - 8:00 PM

April 21
DoubleTree by Hilton
Hotel Annapolis
210 Holiday Ct
Annapolis, MD 21401

April 22
Kent Island
American Legion Hall
800 Romancoke Rd
Stevensville, MD 21666

To register to provide in-person testimony, please call 877-249-8370.

To encourage social distancing, display boards will be available online only. Social distancing protocols will be strictly enforced, including required face coverings, hand sanitizing stations, and limiting capacity in the hearing room to only those that are providing testimony.