Current two-lane span of Nice Bridge was completed in 1940.

This winter, MTA began a detailed study of a handful of alternative solutions intended to relieve traffic congestion at the bridge, which is the only Potomac River crossing downstream from Washington, D.C. The study also considers the need for safety improvements to the bridge roadway and the need to maintain two-way traffic during bridge maintenance.

In order to provide these improvements, the alternatives involve building an additional two-lane span, or a new four-lane span across the river to either supplement or replace entirely the current two-lane bridge opened in 1940.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the MTA project team has been investigating each alternate in detail and will publish a draft environmental report this summer. Pubic notice will be made when the document is available for review, and copies of the report will be provided to local libraries.

Public hearings will be scheduled this fall to report the findings of the study and the planning alternate that has been selected as the preferred improvement plan for upgrades to the Nice Bridge. The public will be able to provide comment 15 days prior to and 30 days after the public hearings.

For additional information, go to www.mdtransportationauthority.com, click on “Capital Projects“ and “Nice Bridge Improvement Project.“ Citizens may provide comments electronically and request to be added to MTA's mailing list for future announcements and to receive future editions of the Nice Bridge improvement project newsletter.