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(October 20, 2012) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) planned to remove the West Nursery Road bridge deck over northbound MD 295 (Baltimore Washington Parkway) using a specially designed heavy piece of equipment that would wheel away the structure. At approximately 12:45 a.m., as crews placed the bridge deck on the equipment, the load shifted. The deck is intact and remains on top of the transport equipment along northbound MD 295.
Since it is not feasible to move it away from the abutments as planned, SHA has directed the contractor to return the deck to its original location and secure it. In order to do so, four large cranes are being transported to the site. More than 35 trucks will bring the cranes and counter weights to the work site this afternoon. Crews will use the cranes to lift the deck into place. SHA and consultant bridge inspectors will confirm the safety and integrity of the deck to determine if northbound MD 295 and West Nursery Road can safely be reopened to traffic. SHA anticipates making that determination late tonight or early Sunday.
“SHA is making every effort to safely expedite the process of placing the West Nursery Road Bridge back onto its foundation and re-open northbound MD 295 and West Nursery Road as soon as possible,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “SHA apologizes for the inconvenience to motorists and will re-open the roadways as soon as safe. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine what happened and why.”
SHA is directing travelers to use I-95, US 1 (Washington Boulevard) or US 29 (Columbia Pike) as northbound alternate routes to northbound MD 295. Additionally, I-97 is an option but the right lane (one of three) from Benfield Blvd. to near Dorsey Road (MD 176) remains closed for concrete repairs and curing/drying. Those traveling east and west should use Hammonds Ferry Road as an alternate for West Nursery Road. Southbound MD 295 is open to all traffic. SHA is using overhead and portable message signs, cones and barrels to guide motorists around the work zone. Airport travelers should plan sufficient time reaching Baltimore Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport.
SHA’s bridge engineers have examined the deck and believe that when replaced the deck will maintain the structural integrity needed to carry traffic. However, if there is any doubt or damage to the deck, SHA will determine next steps that could include demolition and removal of the deck, requiring a longer-term closure of West Nursery Road.
SHA is providing progress updates on the closure of northbound MD 295 and West Nursery Road. Follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA, view our Facebook page and use 511 or MD511.org.