MDOT SHA BEGINS WORK TO REPLACE THREE BRIDGES SERVING SPARROWS POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

(MD 151 sign

(MD 151 sign

​(November 17, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has begun work on a $29 million interchange reconstruction project​ to replace three bridges at the MD 151 (Sparrows Point Boulevard) and MD 151B (Wharf Road) interchange in Baltimore County.    

The bridges are located southeast of the I-695/MD 158 (Bethlehem Boulevard) interchange, a vital economic corridor that provides access to major employers such as Amazon, FedEx and Under Armour. This project is expected to complete by fall 2023 and supports the area’s industrial growth and increased traffic.   

“The redevelopment of Sparrows Point has been a major focus to create jobs and maintain Maryland’s position as an economic leader,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “As the state continues to fight COVID-19, this project will not only benefit companies that deliver essential goods, but also enhance Marylanders’ access to hundreds of jobs.”

The corridor provides access to Tradepoint Atlantic, a logistics center located on the former site of the Bethlehem Steel plant, which closed in 2012. Tradepoint Atlantic includes an Amazon fulfillment center, a FedEx ground facility and Under Armour’s distribution facility. In addition, McCormick & Co. has announced it will open a distribution center at Tradepoint Atlantic. The Sparrows Point Road/Wharf Road interchange provides access to these centers for shipping and trucking companies and freight trains, and is a commuter route for thousands of employees.   

“Sparrows Point is a critical hub in our statewide transportation network and is home to some of the state’s largest employers,” said MDOT Secretary Greg Slater. “This infrastructure project supports Maryland’s economic recovery and growth and improves transportation flow and access for businesses and the surrounding community.”   

The former Bethlehem Steel built the three bridges in the 1950s. While safe for travel, the bridges are in need of replacement and are too low to accommodate modern freight transport. They will be removed and replaced in stages. The new bridges will have bicycle-compatible shoulders and new sidewalks.    

“We are proud of our role in building modern infrastructure that will serve Maryland’s current and future transportation needs,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “These types of improvements wouldn’t be possible without our frontline workers, who are continuing to deliver projects that improve safety and mobility for all Marylanders.”   

Throughout the project, various detours will be in effect both northbound and southbound. MDOT SHA will continue to work closely with Tradepoint Atlantic officials and business owners as the project progresses. The interchange reconstruction is another example of the critical work that MDOT SHA is performing during the COVID-19 State of Emergency while focusing on the health and safety of work crews and the public.   

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus and look out for reduced speed limits and driving pattern changes. Slow down and be alert in construction zones to help ensure our team gets home safely to their families.  

For more details on the Sparrows Point Road/Wharf Road project, go to the project website. For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Editor’s Note

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.

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