(TGA) - SHA Imposes Weight Restriction on Route 90 Bridge
Posted: Sep 30, 2009 03:23 PM EDT
Updated: Sep 30, 2009 03:49 PM EDT
Aerial view of the Route 90 bridge (Photo: WBOC Chopper 16)
OCEAN CITY, Md.- Maryland's State Highway Administration on Wednesday began restricting access on the MD Route 90 Bridge that crosses over the Assawoman Bay after engineers found deterioration within an 85-foot section of the bridge.
According to the SHA, recent inspections had shown that the deterioration warranted "immediate attention."
The SHA says that as a result of the inspections, all vehicles with a collective weight (including trailer and boats) of 6,000 pounds or greater will not have access to the Route 90 bridge and will be directed to alternate routes. This weight is equivalent to a small, unloaded pickup truck.
SHA engineers are now determining the nature of the repairs to be made and how long they will take. Further information will be made available in the next day or two, according to the SHA.
The SHA says 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.
"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.
The SHA says it is implementing a traffic detour that will be in place while repairs are underway. Maryland State Police and the town of Ocean City are also assisting in detouring traffic.
To enter and exit points in Ocean City, motorists must use the U.S. Route 50 (Harry Kelly Memorial Bridge) to reach MD Route 528 (Baltimore Avenue /Philadelphia Avenue). Motorists are advised to plan for extra travel time along Route 50, MD Route 589, MD Route 452 and other area state roads this fall while work is underway.
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Just in time for Cruise In. Bet those guys who trailer their cars are gonna love this!
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6,000 pounds the weight of a small pick up? Hardlly.. The Hummer H3 weighs in at just under 4700 pounds...
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Any updates as to when it is going to officially close?
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10am Thursday Morning.
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Closed as of this morning
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Here are some great pictures of the barge and giant crane that will be used to repair the Rt. 90 bridge. The combination made their way through the Rt. 50 drawbridge yesterday.
www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery…
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