(February 27, 2008) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $2.4 million bridge deck overlay project on the US 50 Harry Kelly Memorial Bridge over Sinepuxent Bay in Ocean City.           
          
Beginning Tuesday, March 4, SHA will close and begin overlaying the westbound bridge deck. During construction, one lane in each direction will be maintained using the eastbound lanes, which will be separated by flexible posts. Weather permitting; all lanes will be open by Memorial Day. Work will then be suspended until March 2009, when the eastbound bridge deck will be improved. SHA is splitting the project into two seasons to minimize impacts to motorists.          
          
The bridge, constructed in 1942, is structurally sound; however the concrete deck (the supported roadway on the bridge) is in need of repair. Crews will mill the existing deck and replace it with new concrete.          
          
The deck overlay project is beginning on the heels of a temporary closure of the bridge that occurred in January when SHA crews replaced the bascule span grid decking. The concrete used for the bridge deck is temperature sensitive and requires a minimum temperature of 50 degrees for proper installation, which was not possible during the previous closure. Though traffic will not be detoured, motorists may still want to use MD 90 as an alternate route into and out of Ocean City. SHA will work diligently to re-open all westbound lanes prior to Memorial Day.          
          
Motorists will be guided through the work zone by arrow panels, variable message signs and traffic barrels. SHA and the contractor appreciate motorists’ patience during the construction process and remind all drivers to plan for extra travel time, buckle up, obey posted speed limits, stay alert and use caution while driving through highway work zones.          
          
SHA awarded the contract to Martins Construction Corporation of Falls Church, VA. Citizens who have questions about the bridge improvements can call SHA’s District 1 office at 410-677-4000 or toll free at 1-800-825-4742.           
          
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