Odenton, MD (September 16, 2025) – Officials from the State of Maryland, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and local advocacy groups today celebrated the completion of the WB&A Trail Patuxent River Bridge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Open to the public since May 2025, the bridge closes a long-standing gap in the WB&A Trail, linking nearly 13 miles of continuous paths across Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. It also strengthens three major national trail systems: the East Coast Greenway, the American Discovery Trail, and the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.
Nearly 30 years in the making, the original master plan was developed in 1995, and in 2009 the Maryland Department of Transportation identified the bridge as a critical missing link in the state’s trail network. Between 2010 and 2015, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties formalized a partnership with Anne Arundel taking the lead on design and construction, while both counties contributed matching funds. In 2016, state bikeways funding supported the design, and in 2020 a federal Transportation Alternatives Program award provided construction funding. Ground was officially broken in June 2023, paving the way for the bridge’s long-awaited opening in May 2025.
This project was the result of close collaboration among Anne Arundel County’s Department of Recreation and Parks, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, the Maryland Department of Transportation, and the State Highway Administration. It received significant support and funding from federal, state, and local partners, along with the tireless advocacy of regional bike and trail organizations.
“This bridge is proof of what happens when we work together across county lines,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “By connecting the WB&A Trail, we’ve given our residents and visitors a safer, healthier way to get where they’re going while becoming part of a national network of trails. It’s a win for our environment, for regional connectivity, and for the people who will enjoy this bridge for generations to come.”
“The completion of the WB&A Trail Patuxent River Bridge is a milestone achievement for Prince George’s County residents and trail users across the state,” said Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. “This project exemplifies the power of strong partnerships. We are proud to have collaborated with our neighbors in Anne Arundel County to deliver a resource that promotes health and recreation while providing a crucial link for several major trail systems.”
“This new pedestrian and bicycle bridge safely brings communities in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties closer together, while also serving as a platform for connecting Marylanders to opportunities,” said Joe McAndrew, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Project Development with the Maryland Department of Transportation. “The Department is a proud supporter of this project, which shows the great collaboration between state and local governments. Thank you to County Executives Braveboy and Pittman and their teams for all their hard work in bringing this project to the finish line.”
“Closing this gap on the WB&A Trail has been a long-awaited project, and its completion is a huge success for our trail system,” said Anne Arundel County Director of Recreation and Parks Jessica Leys. “This bridge allows us to offer an uninterrupted 13-mile continuous trail for residents and visitors. It’s an investment in our community’s quality of life and a legacy for future generations who will enjoy this fantastic recreational amenity.”
Darius Stanton, Director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, added “the completion of the Patuxent River Bridge is a powerful investment in our community’s future. It not only fills a critical gap in our trail network but also fulfills our mission to provide equitable access to nature, promote healthy lifestyles, and connect our residents with the natural and cultural resources that define our region. As someone extremely proud to be a native of Anne Arundel County and now a proud resident for 23 years in Prince George’s County, I believe this trail will be a greenway that will continue to build bridges for our communities to grow green together.”
About the WB&A Trail: The WB&A Trail follows the abandoned right-of-way of the Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis Electric Railroad. It provides a scenic, off-road path for hikers, cyclists, and runners, serving as a key transportation and recreation corridor in Central Maryland.
Photo Credit: Alijah Jones. The Office of the County Executive Pittman grants members of the media the right to use these photos in publications and on social media.
Drone footage from the WB & A Trail Patuxent River Bridge Ribbon cutting can be found here.