Beltway Bridge Work to Get Under Way

Bridge preservation projects planned by the Maryland Transportation Authority could cause delays and lane closures as work gets under way.

Three projects involving the cleaning and painting of the structural steel of bridges and overpasses are planned, according to a statement from the transportation authority.

Locally, the Reglas Painting Co. of Baltimore will clean and paint the eastbound bridge over Bear Creek, just north of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The project is expected to take 18 months to complete and cost $4 million.

Crews from Saffo Contractors of Wilmington, NC, will clean and paint the steel on 11 overpass bridges along the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95) in Baltimore, Cecil and Harford counties.

The 18-month project is expected to cost about $6 million, according to transportation officials.

Eleven overpass and ramp bridges along the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Thruway (I-895) will be cleaned and painted by the Manolis Painting Co. of Timonium. The project will take about 18 months to complete and will cost $6.4 million.

Contractors were able to begin the work as of July 9, according to transportation authority spokesman John Sales.

Off-peak lane and/or shoulder closures may be necessary as work progresses, according to the statement. The impact on traffic is expected to be kept to a minimum throughout the work.

The projects are funded completely through toll revenue and are part of the transportation authority's plan to preserve and maintain the state's aging toll bridges, tunnels and highways.

The Kennedy Memorial Highway, the Harbor Tunnel and the Key Bridge and their approach roadways and ramps were opened in 1963, 1957 and 1977, respectively.

As work progresses, portable and overhead electronic message signs will display closure and detour information.

Motorists can also call 511 to get updates on statewide travel conditions.