Maryland to Replace Bridge into Ocean City

24 August 2010 (Last Updated August 24th, 2010 18:30)

The US's Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is to replace the 68-year-old Harry W Kelley Memorial Bridge with another drawbridge. A design has been selected to replace the existing Route 50 Bridge into downtown Ocean City, according to baltimoresun.com. Construction of

The US's Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is to replace the 68-year-old Harry W Kelley Memorial Bridge with another drawbridge.

A design has been selected to replace the existing Route 50 Bridge into downtown Ocean City, according to baltimoresun.com.

Construction of the bridge, which involves displacement of eight existing properties is expected to begin in about 20 to 25 years.

The project includes removal of the centre drawbridge section of the existing span, leaving its ends standing for recreational purposes.

SHA planning director Greg Slater said the new span would be 30ft high, compared with the existing 18ft, enabling 75% to 80% of boat traffic to pass through without raising the drawbridge.