10/12//2005
By Bob Lassahn
On Thursday and Friday, October 6 and 7, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) hosted a series of three public meetings to obtain input and assistance in developing options for the U.S. 50 Bridge over Sinepuxent Bay. Three identical sessions were held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City during the two day period, allowing area residents to learn about progress, discuss issues with representatives and provide input.
During the presentations SHA presented five separate alternatives with several variations of each derived from similar public sessions held in early June 2005, including on-alignment with the existing bridge, north on-alignment (using the same western approach with the bridge to the north with a new eastern approach), north off-alignment (new approaches from the west and east with the bridge north of the existing bridge), south (new approaches and the bridge to the south of the existing bridge) and a tunnel option.
According to SHA representatives the tunnel option is problematic, since the run out (the distance required to ramp up to ground level after crossing under the bay) would deposit the vehicle at the surf line. The only option would be to swing the ramp in a northerly direction and the construction would displace a large number of existing structures.
SHA representatives also state that no reasonable option is being discounted at this point but they have pretty much ruled out an overhead tram and water taxi from a western approach parking area. The overhead tram is considered too costly and problematic while the swift current and shallow waters of the bay make most east-west shuttle vessel options difficult.
SHA Project Manager Chris Weber stated that by 10 a.m. on Friday, about one hour before the end of the final session, more than 100 residents had participated. People from all age groups, from senior citizens to high school age could be observed studying the various displays. According to Mr. Weber SHA has a long way to go with the project and many issues to study for all options including environmental concerns, historic buildings and the displacement of residences and businesses.
The SHA timeline on the project continues through the spring of 2009 before any location or design approval might be available and Mr. Weber states it is impossible to speculate on when actual construction could begin. Additional workshops and a public hearing during the winter of 2007 or spring 2008 will provide other opportunities for public input.
The existing bridge over Sinepuxent Bay, officially known as the Harry W. Kelly Memorial Bridge, was built in 1942. It has been placed in the state’s Historic Bridge Inventory and is eligible for inclusion in the National Historic Register. According to the SHA the bridge has an operating life expectancy of 15 to 40 years, depending on the extent of repair work invested in the structure.
Send an Email Letter to Courier Editor - be sure to include your telephone number.
Uploaded: 10/13/2005
