Chesapeake Bay Bridge

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a twin steel structure measuring 6.9 kilometers (4.3 miles) that spans the waters between Anne Arundel County and Queen Anne's County, connecting both shores of the bay. Both structures rise above the flat expanse of water on tall support piers that emerge from the surface.

The first span opened in 1952 and provided a road crossing over the bay for the first time. A second parallel span opened in 1973 to handle increasing traffic between both shores.

The official name William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge commemorates the Maryland governor who initiated the construction project in the late 1940s.

The roadway remains open at all times and carries vehicles between the western suburbs of the capital and the towns along the eastern shore. Strong wind can sometimes lead to slower conditions, especially for tall vehicles.

An annual running event in November invites participants to cross the entire bay on foot, with the structure temporarily closed to cars. Thousands of runners take advantage of this rare opportunity on a route normally limited to vehicles.

Location: Anne Arundel County

Location: Queen Anne's County

Inception: July 30, 1952

Length: 6,946 m

Longest Span: 490 m

Made from material: steel

GPS coordinates: 38.99167,-76.37222

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:50