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Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project

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.

What's New

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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.

Motorists must pay attention and adhere to overhead lane signals.

 

Images of crews working on pre-cast decks and temporary concrete connection slabs.

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.

NO WAKE ZONE: A new 6-knot speed limit is now in effect 1,000 feet north and south of the Bay Bridge.

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Construction 

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
FAQs 

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?

Public Alerts 
Mariner Alerts  

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.
Gallery
Photo Gallery

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Photos- March 2025

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Photos - March 2025

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Photos - August 2024

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Progression Photos - August 2024

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Photos - May 2024

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Progression Photos - May 2024

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Photos - May 2024

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Progression Photos - May 2024

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Photos - November 2023

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Progression Photos - November 2023

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Progression Photos - September 2023

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project Photos - July 2023

Bay Bridge Eastbound Deck Replacement Project

Video Gallery
Who to Contact: 

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). 

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Jul 10

Finance and Administration Committee Meeting - July 10, 2025

9 AM

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This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the Finance and Administration Committee Meeting Homepage. The Finance and Administration Committee Meeting homepage also provides access to the virtual meeting, schedule, agenda, materials and minutes.

Jul 31

MDTA Board Meeting - July 31, 2025

9 AM

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This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the MDTA Board Meeting Homepage. The MDTA Board Meeting homepage also provides access to the meeting schedule, materials, agenda and minutes.

Sep 18

Susquehanna Workforce Network Harford County Regional Job Fair

12 AM

APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College
401 Thomas Run Road
Bel Air, MD 21015

Susquehanna Workforce Network Harford County Regional Job Fair

Visit our table at the Susquehanna Workforce Network Count Regional Job Fair to explore exciting job openings and meet our dynamic team. The MDTA offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and career growth opportunities.