News

Bridge Strengthens Regional and National Trail Networks While Expanding Safe Recreation and Transportation Options

Prince George’s County, 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.

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.

About the Department

With over 29,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will ensure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities, and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.