The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration, have completed a purpose and need report for the Tier 2 Study.
The purpose of the Tier 2 Study is to address existing and future transportation capacity needs and access across the Chesapeake Bay and at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge approaches along the U.S. 50/301 corridor. The Tier 2 Study is evaluating measures to reduce congestion; improve travel times and reliability, mobility, and roadway deficiencies; and accommodate maintenance activities and navigation, while minimizing impacts to local communities and the environment.
The following five needs were identified for the Tier 2 Study and are the basis for evaluating alternatives:
- Adequate capacity and reliable travel times,
- Mobility,
- Roadway Deficiencies,
- Existing and future maintenance needs, and
- Navigation.
In addition to identifying needs, the MDTA has also identified two objectives for consideration during alternatives evaluation:
- Environmental Responsibility, and
- Cost and Financial Responsibility.