The bridge has been welded up and it's open again.
**TRAFFIC ALERT*
STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION OPENS WESTBOUND I-70 BRIDGE OVER THE PATAPSCO RIVER AT THE BALTIMORE/HOWARD COUNTY LINE
Repairs Complete and Bridge Safe for Travel
(June 8, 2014) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) reopened the westbound I-70 Bridge over the Patapsco River at the Baltimore/Howard County Line at approximately 4:00 p.m. today. Additionally, crews reopened the ramps from the inner loop and outer loop of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) to access westbound I-70.
SHA completed urgent repair work to the bridge after identifying signs that a beam needed to be reinforced. After closing the bridge Friday afternoon, crews bolted and welded steel plates to the bridge beam as a permanent repair for the long term safety of the bridge.
"SHA is very conservative concerning bridges, so any indication of wear and tear that needs attention is prioritized for repair. Given the amount of traffic on this interstate bridge, we deemed it best to address the issue immediately," said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “We appreciate motorists' patience during the closure.”
SHA inspected the remainder of the bridge and the adjacent eastbound bridge and determined all other elements of the bridges were in acceptable condition and did not need any work.
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From the Maryland State Highway Administration:
*TRAFFIC ALERT**
STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION CLOSES WESTBOUND I-70 BRIDGE OVER THE PATAPSCO RIVER AT THE BALTIMORE/HOWARD COUNTY LINE
Emergency Repairs Could Continue Through Monday Morning 5 a.m.
(June 6, 2014) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has closed the westbound I-70 Bridge over the Patapsco River at the Baltimore/Howard County Line. Additionally, the ramps from the inner loop and outer loop of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) to access westbound I-70 are closed.
“SHA is erring on the side of caution and closing the bridge until repairs can be initiated,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “SHA bridge inspectors discovered an issue with the beam that requires immediate attention. We are asking motorists for patience as emergency repairs are made.”
SHA is adjusting the timing of traffic signals along US 40 (Baltimore National Pike) and MD 26 (Liberty Road) to accommodate the significant increase in traffic.
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