William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Chesapeake) Bay Bridge

#250 The William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Chesapeake) Bay Bridge is a dual-span bridge in Maryland connecting the Western Shore (near Annapolis) with the Eastern Shore (Queen Anne's County), carrying U.S. Routes 50 and 301 across the Chesapeake Bay. Opened in 1952 (eastbound) and 1973 (westbound), it's a vital link for traffic, tourism, and commerce, featuring two spans with a total length of about 4.3 miles, and is known for its significant height and lack of shoulders, making it daunting for some drivers. Key Details Name: Officially the Governor William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, named for the governor who initiated its construction. Location: Connects Anne Arundel County (Western Shore) and Queen Anne's County (Eastern Shore). Spans: Two parallel spans: a two-lane eastbound span (1952) and a three-lane westbound span (1973). Routes: Carries U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 301. Length: Approximately 4.3 miles. Toll: A one-way toll is collected electronically for eastbound traffic only. Significance: A crucial transportation artery for travel between the Baltimore/Washington area and coastal destinations like Ocean City, MD, and Rehoboth Beach, DE. Features: A combination of cantilever, continuous truss, and suspension designs, with a height of 186 feet above the water. Driver Assistance: A service is available to help nervous drivers cross the bridge.