HANOVER, MD - In the wake of yesterday's highway tragedy in Minneapolis, Governor Martin O'Malley and his top transportation officials reassured Marylanders today that the bridges throughout the state are safe.
"As we continue to feel concern for the individuals and families affected by this tragic incident, it is important for Marylanders to be reassured that our state transportation infrastructure is safe," said Governor O'Malley. "The rigorous inspection protocols and aggressive rehabilitation programs practiced in Maryland exceed the standards set by the federal government. Public safety is our top priority. We need to continue to invest in our transportation system to ensure its integrity into the future."
There are 5,200 bridges statewide in Maryland. The State is responsible for 2,800 of those. The balance is owned by local jurisdictions with oversight provided by the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA). Bridges in Maryland are inspected once every two years. Major crossings like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the Key Bridge in Baltimore are inspected once each year. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) conducts an annual audit of the state's bridge inspection program. Maryland has repeatedly earned an excellent rating.
Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari stressed that his transportation team will be following the investigation in Minneapolis very closely to determine if any modifications to the construction, maintenance, operation or bridge inspection program in Maryland are warranted.
"Maryland's highways and bridges are safe," said Secretary Porcari. "However, we will be relentless in our efforts to improve our practices where we can and learn whatever lessons the tragedy in Minneapolis may offer."
For information on Maryland bridges, including those receiving the Federal classification of structurally deficient or structurally obsolete, click here. You also will find on this link comments from Governor O’Malley and Secretary Porcari on the state of Maryland’s highway infrastructure. View Bridge Inspection Fact Sheet
Contact:
Rick Abbruzzese
Governor’s Press Office
410-974-2317
Jack Cahalan
MDOT
410-865-1025 |
