On Monday, July 8 crews will close the bridge to all vehicular traffic and begin major steel and concrete repairs on the movable drawbridge spans. These repairs are critical to extending the service life of the 66-year old drawbridge.
The spans must remain in the open position during the work, which requires a total road closure and a traffic detour. Once the repairs are completed and the drawbridge components are cleaned and painted, the bridge will open, weather permitting, by August 13. In June crews began installing a platform containment system under the bridge for cleaning and painting the stationary bridge approach spans.
“SHA appreciates the patience of residents, drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users while the bridge spans are in the open position,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “This temporary closure will allow crews to access some very critical sections of the bridge and make the necessary repairs.”
Signs are now posted to direct drivers along the detour route along Solley Road, MD 177 (Mountain Road) and Edwin Raynor Boulevard. Drivers are asked to use caution and remain alert for pedestrians and cyclists. Marine traffic using the Stoney Creek channel will not be restricted during the closure period. Boaters are advised that barges will be anchored outside the channel, and containment platforms hung below the non-movable spans will reduce clearance by several feet. During the closure, underwater inspections will also take place. Once the bridge reopens to traffic, drivers will encounter a flagging operation through this fall.
SHA is providing
free shuttle bus service connecting to the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Route 64 buses. Drivers and those who will use the project shuttle will need to allow no less than thirty minutes of travel time to follow the detour and reach area destinations especially during peak travel times. Consult the MTA schedule for connections and arrive at the
shuttle stop at least 30 minutes before the scheduled MTA departure. Two buses will continuously loop in the area between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. each day. Final information on the schedule and shuttle stop locations is available at SHA’s website at
www.roads.maryland.gov. Transit users and pedestrians should also prepare for additional time to reach the stops.
The Stoney Creek Bridge was originally constructed in 1947 and carries an average of 18,000 vehicles per day. The two-lane drawbridge opens approximately 1,000 times per year, primarily during the summer months. SHA awarded the $1.8 million contract to Astron General Contracting of Jacksonville, North Carolina.
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