(August 18, 2010) –The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has selected a preferred alternative to replace the Harry Kelly Memorial Bridge (US 50) and associated approaches into downtown Ocean City----and we want you to “drive it” before we build it.   SHA developed a virtual animation that put you in the driver’s seat to see first-hand how the new bridge will operate.

“This is an exciting way to virtually drive the proposed alternative for plans to replace the US 50 bridge and the approaches into Ocean City,” said Neil J. Pedersen, SHA Administrator.  “SHA anticipates using this type of virtual animation on future planning projects.”

The visualization can be found on the SHA “Projects and Studies” page, located at www.roads.maryland.gov.   Once on the projects page, go to Worcester County on the Maryland map at the bottom of the page and click “US 50, Ocean Gateway” and select the media tab.  You will be directed to the animation mpegs.  The direct link is: http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/WebProjectLifeCycle/ProjectPhotos.asp?projectno=WO4191123.

The animation begins with a panoramic aerial view of the project limits, then puts you in the driver’s seat and literally drives into downtown Ocean City.

The SHA preferred alternative, alternative 5A, is displayed, as well as two others.  The other animations are ones that SHA also carefully considered.  Alternative 5A, the alternative with the least commercial and residential impacts, is a northern parallel bridge that will tie into Division Street.  A series of ramps will keep traffic moving and improve safety going to and leaving Ocean City.  The existing 68-year-old Harry Kelly Memorial Bridge will remain as a fishing pier with its draw span removed.  The project is funded for planning at this time.  Design, right-of-way acquisition and construction funding is currently not available.

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