6/7/2006

SHA seeks public input on Route 50 Bridge
By Bob Lassahn

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) held a series of public forums providing area residents an opportunity to evaluate and comment on seven preliminary alternatives for the Harry Kelley Memorial Bridge (Route 50) providing access to the south end of Ocean City. With one two hour session during the evening of Thursday June 1 and two daytime sessions on Friday June 2 there was ample opportunity for interested persons to study the proposals.

The first two alternatives presented utilize the existing span and would have the least impact on businesses and residences in the vicinity. These include a “no build” option where the existing structure would be maintained as necessary to a major rehabilitation of the structure that would add a fishing pier, wider sidewalks and potentially an aerial tram operating between the Route 50 Park and Ride and the resort itself.

Alternative 3 is a “one way pair” with a new three lane bridge with a higher draw span to carry outbound traffic and the existing bridge carrying inbound traffic.

Alternative four referred to as “First Street Connection” would provide a new six lane bridge from the existing Route 50 on the west with the eastern connection between First and Second Streets crossing the concrete plant.

Alternative 5 would provide a new six lane parallel span to the south of the existing bridge tying into the existing bridge approaches at both ends with the existing bridge possibly being retained for pedestrians, bikes, fishing and buses. Alternative 5A is described as a mirror concept of Alternative 5 that places the parallel span to the north of the existing bridge.

Alternative 6, also titled the “9th Street Connection,” would construct a new four lane bridge with a high level, fixed span that would begin west of Route 611, continuing behind the White Marlin Mall and connecting on the Ocean City end at 9th Street. It would carry both inbound and outbound traffic, but not transit vehicles. The existing bridge might be retained for pedestrians, bikes, fishing and buses.

Alternative 7 titled “Remove and Replace” would construct a new six lane bridge with a higher draw span at the current bridge location. One of the issues noted with this alternative is the possibility that federal historic regulations may prevent SHA from removing the existing bridge.

Alternatives 3 through 7 would result in displacements of both residential and business properties ranging from a low of 15 for Alternative 5A (North Parallel Bridge) to a high of 53 for Alternative 4 (1st Street Connection). The estimated total costs range from a low of $20 million for the no build option to a high of $260 million for Alternative 6 (9th Street Connection).

SHA Assistant Project Manager Tessa Young stated that more people turned out for the later sessions than the earlier presentations of the alternative regarding the Route 50 Bridge. Attendees provided the SHA with a significant body of information which needs to be evaluated as they work to determine the best possible solution that pits an aging bridge with an ever increasing amount of traffic funneling into the resort.

There will be additional opportunities for interested persons to participate in the decision making process. Public hearings are currently anticipated sometime in the winter of 2007 or spring of 2008 before SHA gets down to the process of decision making. According to Ms. Young it is unlikely that any construction would occur before the year 2010.

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