Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project
On October 27, 2022, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board approved a $140 million construction services contract for a portion of Phase 1 of the Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement project, which is expected to begin major construction in winter 2023/2024 with anticipated completion in spring 2025. Consistent with MDTA’s 2015 Bay Bridge Life Cycle Cost Analysis, the deck replacement in the deck truss spans is the first phase in a series of projects during the next several decades to maintain safe and working order conditions for the 71-year-old span. The timing of future phases and other projects will depend on available funding and bridge conditions.
Phase 1 of the Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement project will include the replacement of the deck floor system, barrier upgrades, structural rehabilitation of the steel superstructure, lane use signal gantry replacements and utility relocations, as well as off-site stormwater management work.
The MDTA has designed the project to ensure minimal traffic impacts for residents and motorists by avoiding 24/7 lane closures. The new pre-cast deck sections will be fabricated off-site and barged to the Bay Bridge. Marine-based equipment will be utilized to replace deck panels and minimize the use of lane closures for most deliveries, resulting in reduced traffic impacts.
Once work gets underway winter 2023/2024, construction on the first section of the eastbound deck replacement is expected to be completed in spring 2025, with additional sections to follow based on available funding and bridge conditions. The first section, on the Eastern Shore side of the eastbound span, is almost one mile of the overall 4.35-mile-long bridge. During construction, the project will utilize off-peak lane closures during the day to get work areas ready to ensure successful night work. The eastbound span will close at night, weather permitting, with two-way traffic in effect on the westbound span. Crews will remove at least one section of the deck and replace it with a new pre-cast section during the same overnight shift. Temporary closure mechanisms will secure the openings between panels, allowing the eastbound span to reopen to traffic each morning. Daytime crews will prepare the next deck section for removal by the overnight crews.
ONGOING NIGHTTIME BAY BRIDGE SPAN CLOSURES TO NOW
FEATURE PHASE 1 OF EASTBOUND DECK REPLACEMENT
The Maryland Transportation Authority is replacing the deck on the Eastbound William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge. This portion of Phase 1 deck replacement is expected to begin spring 2024 with anticipated completion by spring 2025.
During construction, the project will utilize existing off-peak lane closures during the day to get work areas ready to ensure successful night work. Weather permitting, when the eastbound span closes at night, two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) will be on the westbound span. Crews will remove at least one section of the deck and replace it with a new pre-cast section during the same overnight shift. Temporary concrete connection slabs will be utilized for this crucial work, allowing for travel lanes to reopen each morning and for a smoother driving transition across work areas.
All work will be performed weather permitting. While the work is significant, the MDTA has designed the project to limit traffic impacts while maximizing safety for our contractors and customers during this crucial work.
Please Note: Drivers must adhere to overhead lane-use control signals on US 50 and the Bay Bridge for the safety of traffic operations and motorists. Headlights are required at all times on the bridge. Lane closures are subject to change and closure times are dependent on traffic volumes and other work variables.
For real time traffic information call 1-877-229-7726 (BAYSPAN)
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ATTENTION WATERWAY USERS AROUND THE BAY BRIDGE
PLEASE SLOW DOWN FOR SAFETY
6-knot speed limit now being enforced
Wakes created by speeding boats can create major hazards for bridge operations and workers. Calm waters are essential to keeping workers and other waterway users safe.
MAKE NO WAKE
Please help ensure everyone’s safety in the construction area:
- Slow down
- Use extreme caution
- Steer clear of construction vessels
NO WAKE ZONE: A new 6-knot speed limit is now in effect 1,000 feet north and south of the Bay Bridge. Shipping channel not affected.
- Driver Update 07-01-2024 (PDF Download)
- Driver Update 04-12-2024 (PDF Download)
- Make No Wake Flyer (PDF Download)
- Crane Arrival at Bay Bridge Signals Advance Work for First Section of Multi-Year Eastbound Deck Replacement 03-07-2023 (News Release)
- MDTA Board Approves Contract for Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement 10-27-2022 (News Release)
- BBRAG Webpage
The Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement project will include replacing the deck floor system, barrier upgrades, structural rehabilitation of the steel superstructure, lane use signal gantry replacements and utility relocations, as well as off-site stormwater management work.
Construction Elements
Construction Estimated Timeline:
- UTILITY RELOCATION - SPRING 2023 THRU SPRING 2025
- ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP - SPRING 2023 THRU SPRING 2025
- STRUCTURAL REHAB OF STEEL SUPERSTUCTURE - SUMMER 2023 THRU SUMMER 2024
- DECK FABRICATION - FALL 2023 THRU FALL 2024
- DECK REPLACEMENT - SPRING 2024 THRU SPRING 2025
Construction Element Fact Sheets:
- Construction Sequence - Utility Relocation (PDF Download)
- Environmental Stewardship Fact Sheet – Artificial Reef (PDF Download)
- Environmental Stewardship Fact Sheet – Stormwater Management (PDF Download)
- Construction Sequence – Structural Rehabilitation of the Steel Superstructure (PDF Download)
- Construction Sequence - Deck Fabrication (PDF Download)
- Construction Sequence - Deck Replacement (PDF Download)
Q: Why is this work being done?
Q: Why does the deck need to be replaced?
Q: What work is included in Phase 1?
Q: What will be the impact to traffic?
Q: Will weekday closures be continuous (24/7)?
Q: What are the times of lane closures and estimated date/year of completion?
Q: What is the MDTA’s plan if there are traffic backups during construction for this project?
Q: What is the MDTA’s plan if the Bay Bridge is closed due to a crash or disabled vehicle?
Q: How can drivers get the most up-to-date, real-time information about Bay Bridge traffic?
Q: Will this work impact other Bay Bridge and roadway approach construction projects?
Q: Where can I learn more about updates on this project?
- Crane Arrival at Bay Bridge Signals Advance Work for First Section of Multi-Year Eastbound Deck Replacement 03-07-202 (News Release)
- MDTA Board Approves Contract for Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement 10-27-2022 (News Release)
Keeping Boaters Safe
Recreational and commercial mariners are strongly advised to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Use caution when transiting the area and observe 6-knot speed limit from 1000 feet north and south of the bridge to create MINIMAL WAKE and maintain safety around the construction area.
- The shipping channel remains open within the main span of the bridges during construction operations. Sign up for mariner alerts to receive details and updates.
- Stay clear of all overhead work and maintain a safe distance of 300 feet from all construction equipment and support vessels at all times.
- No unauthorized vessels are allowed in the safety zone surrounding construction barge mooring locations.
Emergency
For an emergency, dial 911.
Non-Emergency
For non-emergency issues or to report a disabled vehicle, dial #77.
Contacting the Maryland Transportation Authority
Via email: mdta@mdta.maryland.gov
Via phone from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays: 410-537-1000
Toll-free: 1-866-713-1596
For real time traffic information, call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726).