2005 Chesapeake Bay crossing study

During the summer and fall of 2005, a specially-appointed task force met to discuss the pros and cons of building a new bridge in four different locations.

However, in order to accommodate the higher capacity of the upgraded crossing (planned to be 10 lanes total), US 50/301 would have to be widened, which would be difficult mostly through Annapolis and Kent Island due to development near the highway.

The southern crossing, between Calvert and Dorchester Counties, would provide the most direct connection between Ocean City and the Western Shore.

It has met with much opposition, however, due to environmental concerns that the approach roads on the Eastern Shore would be built on marshland.

The task force concluded that a ferry service would not address the traffic congestion in a sufficient matter to be considered as a viable alternative, but may be a possible recreational feature for the bay.

In early 2007, a private organization announced plans for a commuter ferry service that would directly link Kent Island with Baltimore and Annapolis.