Maryland transportation officials have recommended building a new Chesapeake Bay bridge at the site of the existing two spans that cross between Annapolis and Kent Island. The project will cost from $5.4 billion to $8.9 billion, depending on which construction strategy and methods are chosen. But a preliminary study concludes that the new crossing will prevent increasing traffic volumes from causing gridlock on the stateâs lone connection to the Eastern Shore across the Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is part of U.S. Routes 50/301. It is the only Bay vehicular crossing in Maryland. Dave Harp The Maryland Transportation Authority, which operates the existing 4-mile toll bridge, released the long-awaited findings Feb. 23 in a draft environmental impact statement. The $5 million study had been scheduled for release in December 2020, but officials delayed the rollout amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, fearing it might suppress public comment.