The Chesapeake Bay Bridge opened its original (eastbound) span to traffic on July 30th, 1952– 72 years ago, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).
According to the MDTA, the Bay Bridge crosses the Chesapeake Bay along US 50/301. Its dual spans provide a direct connection between recreational and ocean regions on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the metropolitan areas of Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C. At four miles, the spans are among the world’s longest and most scenic over-water structures.
The original span opened in July 1952 and provides a two-lane roadway for eastbound traffic. The parallel structure opened in June 1973 and has three lanes for westbound travelers. During periods of heavy eastbound traffic, one lane of the westbound bridge is reversed to carry eastbound travelers (“two-way” traffic operations). Featured photo courtesy of the MDTA.
On this date in 1952, the original (eastbound) span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge opened to traffic. #BayBridge pic.twitter.com/Xj37SobGY3
— MDTA (@TheMDTA) July 30, 2024