Coastal bridges set for repairs

Credit to: Coast TV, Kevin Zipay

DELMARVA - Repairs are scheduled to begin Monday on two coastal bridges, a move that could disrupt travel for commuters and motorists heading to Ocean City and Fenwick Island, officials said.

The Route 50 bridge into Ocean City will undergo a full lane closure from Jan. 20 through Feb. 3, with intermittent single-lane closures before and after that timeframe. Crews will replace the bridge’s nose lock assembly and repair floor beams, work that requires the moveable span to remain in the raised position. Officials said the repairs are essential to maintaining the 84-year-old structure.

For Ocean City resident Kristin Friedman, a typical five-minute trip could stretch beyond 40 minutes when using the designated detour. Despite the inconvenience, she believes the work is necessary.

“For us, it’s going to be better if the bridge is all taken care of and secured. It’s great for all the commuters,” Friedman said.

After the full closure ends, periodic single-lane closures will continue until repairs are completed, which officials expect by March 20, weather permitting.

Work will also begin Monday on the Lighthouse Road bridge in Fenwick Island. Through April 30, crews will focus primarily on preliminary efforts for a future bridge replacement, with minimal work on the existing structure. Both lanes are expected to remain open during this phase.

Plans for the replacement bridge call for a 484-foot-long structure that is wider than the current bridge and includes a shared-use bike lane for pedestrians and cyclists.

Local resident David Lawrence said the added bike lane would significantly improve safety along the roadway.

“It’s quite dangerous because you don’t really see people until you’re over the hill, whether they’re coming from the other direction. Having a lane for bikers would be hugely important,” Lawrence said.

With work on both bridges beginning Monday, drivers should prepare for potential changes to their regular commutes in the weeks ahead.