Six Month Bridge Deck Replacement is Underway; Motorists Are Advised of New Traffic Pattern           
          
(July 16, 2008) -- The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun work to replace the deck of the MD 258 (Bay Front Road) Bridge, locally known as the Nutwell Bridge, over Rockhold Creek in Deale, Anne Arundel County. The $2.5 million deck replacement is expected to take approximately six months, weather permitting.           
          
The MD 258 Bridge is structurally sound, but the deck is in need of replacement. The bridge is now reduced to one lane for both directions of traffic. Traffic signals have been installed at each end of the bridge to regulate traffic flow until construction is complete. Improvements include complete replacement of the deck (roadway surface), encasement of the steel piles in fiberglass to reduce corrosion, and new bridge lighting to enhance visibility. The Nutwell Bridge was originally constructed in 1963 and was last inspected in 2006. In 2007, the bridge carried an average of nearly 10,000 vehicles a day.          
          
SHA’s general contractor for the project is Tessa Structures of Landover. Any questions about this project or others along State-numbered routes may be directed to SHA’s District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603.          
          
SHA thanks motorists for their patience and cooperation and encourages drivers to “think orange” when in a construction zone. On any day, there could be more than 350 work zones in Maryland. Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. When workers are on the road, THINK ORANGE: slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
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