STEVENSVILLE, Md. — Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge this summer and you might see workers hanging off the side, or on platforms underneath the roadbed. But don’t be alarmed — there’s nothing wrong with the structure.
“It’s an older bridge, so we have to continue to maintain it,” said Maryland’s’ Deputy Secretary of Transportation Jim Ports. “It’s all regular, rehab maintenance.”
All Maryland bridges are, or will be, getting attention as part of a six-year safety and restoration plan.
On the Bay Bridge, brackets are being changed on the outsides of some trusses, suspension wire work is underway, and later there will be some painting from platforms under the bridge.
“Our workers will access those platforms from the water, so they won’t disrupt traffic,” Ports said.
Ports doesn’t want motorists to be distracted when workers are visible.
“Pay attention to driving, look at the car in front of you, don’t focus on the Bay, don’t focus on the workers, focus on the driving and everybody will be safe,” he said.
Lanes are only closed for construction on the Bay Bridge during off-peak hours, such as between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sundays through Friday mornings.
Work during off-peak hours also may include closing an entire span of the bridge.
Examine all State Highway Administration road and bridge construction projects with this interactive map on the Department of Transpiration’s website.
