News Release

BALTIMORE - The Maryland State Route 33 Bridge located in Newcomb, Md., is scheduled to undergo repairs requiring closure of the waterway to vessel traffic beginning March 22 and potentially running through June 7, 2010.

The bridge repairs will restrict vessel traffic within the Oak Creek Channel due to a 140-foot crane barge that will block the 60-foot navigation channel throughout the duration of the repair.

A recent state inspection discovered that the center portion of the bridge is failing and needs to be replaced. Maryland Transportation Authority hired Covington Machine and Welding to repair the bridge. Construction will be performed in two phases. The first phase, from March 22 through April 12, 2010, will focus on the westbound lane, while the second phase, May 17 through June 7, 2010, will focus on the eastbound lane.

The bridge will remain passable by vehicular traffic as one lane will remain open throughout the repair process.

Mariners who have boats within the Oak Creek Channel that plan to use their boats during the duration of the bridge repairs are encouraged to relocate their boat prior to March 22.

For more information regarding the bridge repairs, contact Covington Machine and Welding, the on-site contractor, at 410-841-6868.