Maryland may be known for its historic towns, Chesapeake Bay charm, and crabs, but it also boasts some impressive feats of engineering — particularly when it comes to bridges. Stretching over rivers, railways, and deep valleys, Maryland’s highest bridges offer not just critical transportation links but breathtaking views and intriguing backstories.
Whether you’re a civil engineering enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a local looking to explore, these towering structures are worth discovering.
Here are the 7 highest bridges in Maryland, ranked by deck height above the ground or water below.
1. Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge
- Height: Approx. 90 feet
- Location: Havre de Grace to Perryville (across the Susquehanna River)
- Opened: 1940
The Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge, also known as the Hatem Bridge, is the oldest of the toll bridges operated by the Maryland Transportation Authority. Stretching more than a mile over the Susquehanna River, the bridge reaches about 90 feet at its highest point. It provides a vital link between Cecil and Harford counties via U.S. Route 40 and offers panoramic views of the wide river below.
2. Chesapeake Bay Bridge (William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge)
- Height: 186 feet (at the top of the towers); road deck about 186 feet above water at peak
- Location: Annapolis to Kent Island
- Opened: 1952 (westbound span); 1973 (eastbound span)
Possibly Maryland’s most iconic bridge, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans 4.3 miles across the bay, connecting Maryland’s mainland with the Eastern Shore. Its soaring truss and suspension towers support a deck that rises nearly 200 feet above the water in some places, allowing ships to pass underneath. It’s both an engineering marvel and a source of anxiety for drivers afraid of heights — often ranked among America’s scariest bridges.
3. Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge
- Height: Approx. 135 feet
- Location: Newburg, MD to Dahlgren, VA (across the Potomac River)
- Opened: 1940 (new span completed in 2022)
The new Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge, completed in 2022, replaced an older, narrower structure and stands over 130 feet above the Potomac River. This four-lane bridge carries U.S. Route 301 traffic between Maryland and Virginia, offering sweeping river views and reducing congestion for long-distance travelers heading south of the D.C. area.
4. Sideling Hill Creek Bridge
- Height: Approx. 120 feet
- Location: I-68 near Hancock, MD
- Opened: 1991
Carrying Interstate 68 over a deep valley west of Hancock, the Sideling Hill Creek Bridge cuts a dramatic profile over its forested surroundings. The deck height soars over 120 feet above the creek and terrain below, showcasing the beauty of western Maryland’s Appalachian ridges. It’s part of the scenic National Freeway corridor and is often flanked by brilliant fall foliage.
5. Big Savage Mountain Viaduct
- Height: Approx. 115 feet
- Location: Western Maryland, near Frostburg
- Opened: 1991 (part of I-68 construction)
Another gem along Interstate 68, the Big Savage Mountain Viaduct traverses some of the most rugged terrain in Maryland. Towering over 100 feet, it cuts through the mountains and connects to a system of viaducts that make driving through this remote area more efficient. It’s especially stunning in the winter, when snow blankets the surrounding hills.
6. Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge
- Height: Approx. 85 feet
- Location: I-95 over the Susquehanna River
- Opened: 1963
Carrying I-95 across the Susquehanna River, the Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge is an essential link for East Coast travelers. The deck sits about 85 feet above the river, providing views of the waterway and distant forested shores. It’s part of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway and sees heavy commercial and commuter traffic daily.
7. Woodrow Wilson Bridge (Maryland Segment)
- Height: Approx. 70 feet
- Location: Spanning the Potomac River, linking Prince George’s County with Alexandria, VA
- Opened: 2008 (new bridge)
Though technically shared with Virginia, the Maryland side of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge offers one of the state’s higher bridge elevations. The newer version of the bridge, opened in 2008, replaced a congested and aging span with a modern, wide, double-leaf drawbridge that rises about 70 feet above the Potomac. It accommodates vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Conclusion
From coastal marvels to mountain viaducts, Maryland’s highest bridges tell a story of innovation, connection, and resilience. Whether crossing the Chesapeake Bay or soaring over forested valleys, these structures are more than just roads — they’re landmarks. The next time you find yourself driving across one of these towering spans, take a moment to appreciate the view — and the engineering behind it.
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.