The Hogan Administration announced on Wednesday the start of a major rehabilitation project on the four bridges carrying eastbound and westbound US 40 (Pulaski Highway) over the Big Gunpowder Falls and Little Gunpowder Falls in eastern Baltimore County.
The $26.4 million project is part of the Governor Larry Hogan’s pledge to address the 69 structurally deficient bridges on the state’s highway system and is part of the $2 billion investment in highway and bridge improvements across the state that the governor announced in June 2015.
“Since taking office, our administration has been committed to delivering transformative transportation solutions to Marylanders all across the state,” said Governor Hogan. “This rehabilitation project will have a critical impact on our state’s economy and provide a more efficient commute for the citizens of Baltimore County.”
The four bridges, all built in 1934, are safe for travel now; however, the bridges require rehabilitation work to ensure long-term reliability. The two US 40 Bridges over the Little Gunpowder Falls at the Baltimore/Harford County line are on the Governor’s list of the 69 bridges that were identified as in need replacement or rehabilitation. The two US 40 Bridges over the Big Gunpowder Falls in White Marsh will be rehabilitated proactively since they were constructed at the same time as the previous two bridges.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will replace and widen the concrete bridge decks (driving surfaces) and replace the concrete support beams. The new driving surface will provide 10-foot outside shoulders on the bridges to match the width of the existing pavement on Pulaski Highway, vastly improving the safety for the more than 26,000 vehicles per day traveling this segment of US 40. The wide shoulders will also improve safety and access for bicyclists.
MDOT SHA’s contractor, Allan Myers of MD, Inc. of Fallston, will install erosion and sediment control measures to protect the Gunpowder Falls and Little Gunpowder Falls and relocate the utility lines.
Bridge construction work will begin mid-August and be complete summer 2021.
Through early 2020, all four lanes of US 40 will be open to traffic during peak travel hours with temporary lane shifts and temporary lane closures during off-peak daytime hours and at night. There may be occasional weekend work with lane closures on US 40 while concrete work is occurring.
