US Route 301/Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge Improvement Project

The Nice Bridge is a two-lane undivided 1.7 mile toll facility crossing of the Potomac River, approximately 25 miles south of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (I-95). It is considered to be a major public, military and evacuation route. The bridge was opened in 1940 and currently carries about 20,000 vehicles per day. By 2030 traffic volume is projected to double.

Between 2006 and 2010 Maryland conducted a Project Planning Study and an Environmental Assessment to eliminate the bottleneck and support anticipated travel growth. The preferred alternative is a new four-lane bridge replacement to the north of the existing bridge and a two-way bike/pedestrian path on the south side. Cost estimates range from $805 million to $885 million. Project is “eligible” for design, right-of-way and construction funding, but no such funding currently exists.