Four-lane span could replace bridge

Two-lane expansion also considered

Friday, Oct. 2, 2009

Among the options being considered are two- and four-lane spans that would run parallel to the current bridge. Both would include pedestrian and bike lanes and be built at a height lower than the current bridge.

If a two-lane span was built, it would serve northbound traffic while the current bridge would continue accommodating southbound traffic. A two-lane span would cost $440- to $465 million, according to SHA estimates.

A four-lane span would serve all traffic across the Patuxent River and cost $620- to $645 million. After its construction, the current bridge would be torn down.

SHA is also considering making no substantial changes to the bridge or Route 4.

Commissioner Barbara Stinnett (D) was concerned that the current bridge, which was constructed in 1977, only lasted a few decades without needing major improvements, and wondered if a new bridge would be any different. Michael Rothenheber, an engineer with Johnson, Mermiran and Thompson, said that there were too many unknowns to estimate beyond 25 years in the future.

Neither option would affect the Solomons Visitor Information Center, nor the fishing pier located beneath the current bridge.

The project would also include improvements along a 4-mile stretch of Route 4 from Patuxent Point Parkway in Calvert to the Route 235 intersection in St. Mary's County.

Rothenheber presented the options, which included closing some access points along Route 4 to Solomons Island Road and relocating the right exit, which provides northbound traffic coming off the bridge access to Solomons Island.

Both alternatives met opposition from the commissioners, particularly limiting access to Solomons Island Road, which itself provides access to the strip of shopping centers north of the island.

"We spent many, many, many years lobbying the state to get that connected," Commissioner Jerry Clark (R) said. "When you start eliminating the ability for traffic to get off of the island and get out onto Route 4, you're just strangling us right back to where we were."

Rothenheber countered that the option was one of many being considered, and that as traffic along Route 4 increases, commuters slowing down to use the access points could create safety hazards. SHA expects traffic volumes along the corridor to increase by 25 to 30 percent by 2030, project manager Russ Anderson said.

Commissioner Susan Shaw (R) asked SHA to keep in mind that the island often hosts large events, and that limiting access off the island could also create bottlenecks and safety problems.

Rothenheber said engineers are looking at removing the current right-hand exit off the bridge and moving it to the access point in front of Solomons Landing.

Clark said the intersection was "already taxed" during rush hour and suggested that the SHA consider incorporating the exit with the current left-hand turn off Solomons Island Road that sits in front of the Roy Rogers restaurant.

An economic study on the impact the project could have on Solomons businesses is currently underway, and Clark asked that the SHA give a presentation to the Solomons Civic Association.

A public hearing on the location and design of the entire project will be held during the winter. SHA hopes to receive project approval one year later.

"It's actually exciting that it's moving forward," Shaw said.

jnewman@somdnews.com