(September 30, 2009) – Today, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration is restricting access on the MD 90 (Ocean City Expressway) Bridge over the Assawoman Bay in Ocean City, Worcester County.
During an in-depth inspection by State Highway engineers in conjunction with experts on this type of construction, defects found were evaluated and SHA engineers determined that the type of deterioration found within an 85-foot section of this bridge warranted immediate attention.
Effective today, all vehicles with a collective weight (including trailer and boats) of 6,000 pounds or greater will NOT have access to the MD 90 bridge and will be directed to alternate routes. This weight is equivalent to a small, unloaded pickup truck. SHA engineers are determining the nature of the repairs to be made and how long they will take. Further information will be made in the next day or two.
Travel is considered safe for passenger vehicles under the 6,000 pound limit. Motorists are cautioned that some passenger vehicles may exceed the 6,000 pound limit. Inspections of the bridge will continue and the public will be notified of any changes to weight restrictions.
“I am reassured that SHA’s policy and process for bridge inspections worked. While we recognize this presents an inconvenience for motorists and boaters, it is even more important that our aging infrastructure is regularly inspected and repaired,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen. “We ask the traveling public for patience as crews work to make these emergency repairs as soon as possible.”
The 38 year-old bridge is 1.42 miles long and carries approximately 18,000 vehicles each day, with significant traffic volumes during the summer months. SHA is implementing a traffic detour that will be in place while repairs are underway The Maryland State Police will assist in detouring traffic. Seven portable variable message signs are in place alerting motorists of the new weight limit. The Town of Ocean City is also assisting with the detour. SHA will monitor signals along the routes to control traffic.
To enter and exit points in Ocean City, motorists must use the US 50 (Harry Kelly Memorial Bridge) to reach MD 528 (Baltimore Avenue /Philadelphia Avenue). Motorists are advised to plan for extra travel time along US 50, MD 589, MD 452 and other area state roads this fall while work is underway.
It is important to note that this effort is the result of the continuous cycle of inspection of all bridges on the SHA system and has allowed a potentially serious problem to be found, evaluated and action taken to maintain the safety of all vehicles at this location.
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