There aren’t too many places in Maryland considered dangerous pretty much all the time, but if you ask someone the scariest place to drive in the Old Line State, they will almost always say across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Read along to see why this infamous Maryland bridge just may be the most dangerous in America, and why it’s so panic-inducing that there are often people waiting to drive timid drivers to the other side.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is quite charming from afar…
Flickr / Philippe Roos
But absolutely horrifying up close.
Flickr / Victoria Pickering
This dual bridge has no shoulder or emergency pull off lanes. It’s a length of 4.3 miles from tip to tip, and at its highest point is 186 feet above the Bay. That’s a long way down.
Flickr / Ben Eriksen
Fewer things make Marylanders more nervous than approaching the bridge and seeing lines of cars. With the Bay Bridge making drivers uneasy, stop and go traffic only heightens the anxiety.
Flickr / Susan Smith
Even worse, is crossing the bridge during heavy rain…
Flickr / Victoria Pickering
Or through eerie morning fog, where the journey seems to lead to nowhere. Occasionally, there’s two-way traffic on the bridge, which makes it even worse.
Flickr / Michael W Murphy
There have been several fatalities throughout the years on the Bay Bridge. This includes suicide jumpers…
Flickr / Michael Bentley
And vehicular accidents. Most of the time, the accidents happen when someone is rear ended, and therefore pushed over the side into the water below. Weather and storms do have an effect, too, and the low guard rails on the side of the bridge make everyone uneasy in a strong wind.
Flickr / Van Corey
Yet somehow, a story of survival is much more chilling. The following video shows a simulation of what happened when a woman was flipped over the side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in the summer of 2013. It’s terrifying to imagine what it would be like teetering over the edge, then falling into the murky water of the Bay. Watch the video and think about if you’d handle the situation the same way as survivor, Morgan Lake.
Flickr / Philippe Roos
Flickr / Victoria Pickering
Flickr / Ben Eriksen
Flickr / Susan Smith
Flickr / Michael W Murphy
Flickr / Michael Bentley
Flickr / Van Corey
Have you had panic attacks associated with the thought of crossing bridges? Oddly enough, there is a service that will hop in your driver’s side seat, and drive you over the bridge for a cost of $30. That’s a relief for anyone who is stressed out about the crossing!
Have you driven across Maryland’s most dangerous and terrifying bridge? Does it give you feelings of stress, or are you not bothered? Share your experiences and stories about this most interesting and infamous Maryland bridge.
To take a peek at some other impressive structures and architectural marvels in Maryland, read about 10 Of The Most Enchanting Man Made Wonders in Maryland.
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Address: Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Stevensville, MD, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
most dangerous bridge in Maryland August 13, 2021 Kim Magaraci What are the most scary places in Maryland? There are so many creepy, haunted, and scary places in Maryland! Some of the most haunted spots in the state include Antietam Battlefield, the Jericho Covered Bridge, and Fort McHenry. Each of these places has a well-documented history of paranormal activity, and they’re just the tip of the iceberg! If you’re interested in seeing some of the spookiest spots in the Old Line State, head out on our Haunted Maryland Road Trip and see just how brave you are. Are there any man-made wonders in Maryland? Beyond our terrifying Chesapeake Bay Bridge, there are plenty of other fascinating man-made wonders in Maryland. One unique spot, Fort Carroll, has been abandoned for decades. Still, it sits in the water beneath the Key Bridge, surviving the elements and piquing curiosity. The Paterson Park Pagoda is another interesting architectural wonder, which is made more impressive when you consider it was built in 1881. The Maryvale Castle, in Luther, is a beautiful spot that will make you forget you’re even here in Maryland. If you like bridges, visit Patapsco Valley State Park, where you’ll find a famous swinging bridge that you can admire from afar or see up close as you cross and sway above the gorge. The Potomac River Bridge, while not as famous as the Bay Bridge, is another interesting marvel that may make your stomach drop when you see just how steep and narrow it is.
The OIYS Visitor Center
most dangerous bridge in Maryland
August 13, 2021
Kim Magaraci
What are the most scary places in Maryland? There are so many creepy, haunted, and scary places in Maryland! Some of the most haunted spots in the state include Antietam Battlefield, the Jericho Covered Bridge, and Fort McHenry. Each of these places has a well-documented history of paranormal activity, and they’re just the tip of the iceberg! If you’re interested in seeing some of the spookiest spots in the Old Line State, head out on our Haunted Maryland Road Trip and see just how brave you are. Are there any man-made wonders in Maryland? Beyond our terrifying Chesapeake Bay Bridge, there are plenty of other fascinating man-made wonders in Maryland. One unique spot, Fort Carroll, has been abandoned for decades. Still, it sits in the water beneath the Key Bridge, surviving the elements and piquing curiosity. The Paterson Park Pagoda is another interesting architectural wonder, which is made more impressive when you consider it was built in 1881. The Maryvale Castle, in Luther, is a beautiful spot that will make you forget you’re even here in Maryland. If you like bridges, visit Patapsco Valley State Park, where you’ll find a famous swinging bridge that you can admire from afar or see up close as you cross and sway above the gorge. The Potomac River Bridge, while not as famous as the Bay Bridge, is another interesting marvel that may make your stomach drop when you see just how steep and narrow it is.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are so many creepy, haunted, and scary places in Maryland! Some of the most haunted spots in the state include Antietam Battlefield, the Jericho Covered Bridge, and Fort McHenry. Each of these places has a well-documented history of paranormal activity, and they’re just the tip of the iceberg! If you’re interested in seeing some of the spookiest spots in the Old Line State, head out on our Haunted Maryland Road Trip and see just how brave you are.
Are there any man-made wonders in Maryland?
Beyond our terrifying Chesapeake Bay Bridge, there are plenty of other fascinating man-made wonders in Maryland. One unique spot, Fort Carroll, has been abandoned for decades. Still, it sits in the water beneath the Key Bridge, surviving the elements and piquing curiosity. The Paterson Park Pagoda is another interesting architectural wonder, which is made more impressive when you consider it was built in 1881. The Maryvale Castle, in Luther, is a beautiful spot that will make you forget you’re even here in Maryland. If you like bridges, visit Patapsco Valley State Park, where you’ll find a famous swinging bridge that you can admire from afar or see up close as you cross and sway above the gorge. The Potomac River Bridge, while not as famous as the Bay Bridge, is another interesting marvel that may make your stomach drop when you see just how steep and narrow it is.
