BALTIMORE – This weekend, the first pre-cast roadway panels will be installed as part of the Bay Bridge Preservation Project to replace the deck on the westbound span. Weather permitting, four of the suspension span’s 144 panels will be on the bridge before Thanksgiving.
“We need to give our partner American Bridge at least nine hours each night we replace a portion of the deck, a process that requires incredible coordination of complex tasks,” said Authority Executive Secretary Ron Freeland. “Some delays are unavoidable, and we appreciate our drivers’ understanding. We’re taking many steps to minimize traffic impacts and are giving drivers the tools to get the latest on their commutes.”
All deck demolition and installation is occurring overnight, when the westbound span will close, and two-way traffic will operate on the eastbound span. No lane closures are scheduled from Nov. 20 through Nov. 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
What Should Drivers Expect at Night? Westbound lane closures as early as 7 p.m. Westbound bridge closures as early as 8 p.m. (through the following morning), with two-way traffic on the eastbound span. Expect delays if arriving at the bridge after 8 p.m. Get the latest lane closure schedule at baybridge.com.
How Will Drivers Know If the Bridge Opens Late for Morning Rush Hour (after 5 a.m.)? Sign up for email alerts at baybridge.com. Visit baybridge.com to check the scrolling “news ticker.” Call 1-877-BAYSPAN for Bay Bridge traffic conditions 24/7. Listen to area media and traffic reports.
Stay Alert So No One Gets Hurt! Obey posted speed limits and lane-control signals. The posted speed limit for the westbound span is 45 mph for the project’s duration. Avoid lane changes. Steel plates/grids will be placed across the westbound travel lanes during construction. Motorcycles must use the right lane. Always turn on your vehicle’s headlights when driving in two-way traffic.
Bay Bridge Preservation work, which is being performed by Pittsburgh-based American Bridge, will help extend the life of the westbound span with full-depth roadway replacement in the suspension and through-truss sections. The new deck panels -- 144 suspension and 156 through-truss panels -- are pre-cast in Sparrows Point near Baltimore. Preliminary project work began in December 2006, with the project slated for completion in late 2009.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is an independent State agency that finances, owns and operates the State’s seven toll facilities. The Authority’s eight Members, appointed by the Governor with consent of the State Senate, serve as the agency’s policy-setting and governing body. Maryland's Secretary of Transportation serves as Authority Chairman.
Contact:
Cheryl Sparks or
Kelly Melhem
410-537-1017 |
