(December 9, 2014) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) will perform routine maintenance requiring short-term openings of the MD 213 Chestertown Drawbridge over the Chester River on Wednesday, December 10, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Crews will also perform routine maintenance of the MD 331 Dover Bridge over the Choptank River on Thursday, December 11, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The brief closures of the bridges will last no longer than those needed for an average vessel to pass through the open spans, which vary between five to 15 minutes. Work on each bridge is weather permitting.

SHA’s contractor, Covington Machine and Welding, Inc. of Annapolis, will perform the routine maintenance, which includes: greasing the bridge locks, testing the opening and closing of the bridge swing span, raising and lowering the traffic gates, checking traffic and navigational lights and checking hydraulic oil levels for bridge motors.

If inclement weather prevents the work as originally planned, it will be rescheduled for the earliest possible weekday date that weather permits.  Anyone with questions about the project may contact the SHA District 2 Office at 1-800-637-9740.

As crews strive to keep work zones safe, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving behavior to help prevent crashes. Stay alert – look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For everyone!