There are many reports done by multiple agencies and organizations in Maryland that are relevant to the impetus for a new Bay Crossing. Each document adds to the information that is useful in evaluating the process. There are four key reports that MdTA has stated they are using in their current tier 1 study that are included in this list.
The purpose and need document for the US 301 Project Development Final Environmental Impact Statement contains information that has relevance to Maryland’s. Particularly concerning is the description of US 301 from Wilmington to Richmond re-emerging as a through traffic alternative to I-95, particularly for truck traffic.
https://www.deldot.gov/information/projects/us301/us301Archive/pdfs/feis/5-chap1.pdf
Under taken in 2005, the Maryland Task Force completed their work with no recommendations, except to recommend that more detailed studies be undertaken. Many complex issues are outlined and Kent County Residents were well represented at the meeting racking up the most public comments and presenting the task force with over 2000 signatures of opposition. This is one of the reports that MdTA considers relevant.
http://www.mdta.maryland.gov/Capital_Projects/BayCrossingStudies/TaskForceReport/TaskForceReport_Complete.pdf
Another relevant report according to MdTA’s Bay Crossing Study Website. This study was completed in 2004 and some of the details were present to the Maryland Task Force as background material for discussions.
http://www.mdta.maryland.gov/Capital_Projects/BayCrossingStudies/NeedsReport/BayBridgeNeedsReportVolume_I_of_II.pdf
Analysis of Transit Only Concept to Address Traffic Capacity Across the Chesapeake Bay is the justification for not providing mass transit as an alternative to building a new span. This is also a report that the new study includes as relevant.http://www.mdta.maryland.gov/Capital_Projects/BayCrossingStudies/BayBridgeTransitStudy.pdf
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy prepared a counter balance report, prepared by TND Planning Group which details a holistic approach to solving traffic issue. Of the reports done by Maryland that were consider in this study, one of the conclusions was that: The studies focus on specific transportation facilities or services, and were not part of a comprehensive effort to develop solutions for cross-Bay mobility. Congestion solutions do not exist in a vacuum.
https://www.eslc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Regional-Transportation.pdf
The forth report being considered by the MdTA in the current study, this report looks at the lie cycle costs of the current William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge.
http://www.mdta.maryland.gov/Capital_Projects/documents/Bay_Bridge_LCCA_Report_12-2015.pdf