Construction of Temporary Bridge Enables Crews to Work Away from Traffic

(July 12, 2017) –The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is replacing the MD 137 (Mount Carmel Road) Bridge over I-83 (Baltimore-Harris​burg Expressway) in Hereford, Baltimore County using an innovative approach to maintain traffic during construction. The 62-year-old-bridge is safe, but needs replacement. The $7.3 million project will be complete fall 2019, weather permitting, and is expected to have minimal impact to drivers.

MDOT SHA is installing a temporary bridge for motorists and pedestrians to use during construction. The cost to rent and assemble the temporary structure is offset by savings on drainage installation, material fill and tree removal otherwise required for construction. Additionally, the temporary bridge allows crews to work without traffic immediately adjacent to the construction area, enhancing safety for workers and drivers. 

MDOT SHA’s project design includes a new center lane to accommodate left turns to access northbound and southbound Interstate 83, easing daily congestion and improving safety operations. More than 9,500 vehicles use Mount Carmel Road over I-83 each day.

“The Mount Carmel Road Bridge over I-83 project eliminates another structurally deficient bridge from the state’s system,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Gregory Slater. “During the project, the existing lanes will be narrowed, so we are asking motorists to slow down and pay close attention in the work zone.”

In addition to the replacement of the bridge, crews also will install bicycle-compatible shoulders and extend the existing left turn lane from westbound MD 137 to access northbound I-83.

 

 

(MDOT SHA Graphic:  New center turn lane that will be on new bridge.)

 

 

 

 

(MDOT SHA Graphic:  Existing Mt. Carmel Road Bridge over I-83 to be replaced.)

 

MDOT SHA’s contractor, Six-M Company, Inc. of Delta, Pa., will shift traffic from the existing bridge onto a temporary bridge over I-83 that will be located to the north of the present bridge. To complete the project, crews may need to close one travel lane on I-83 between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. 

 

The Hogan Administration is making record investments in highways and bridges. Of the 69 structurally deficient bridges inherited by the Hogan Administration, 21 are repaired or replaced, and the remaining are under construction or in design.

 

The e-Road Ready 2017 electronic construction brochure is now available by clicking here. The e-brochure highlights major road construction and maintenance projects in Maryland’s 23 counties.

 

Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down, and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands. Maryland drivers can also know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including delays and lane closures.