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The bridge, constructed in 1936, is structurally safe but is showing signs of deterioration. The rehabilitation project will extend the life of the bridge by 30 to 50 years.

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Preliminary site work underneath the bridge will begin winter 2011, with bridge rehabilitation work to begin late spring 2011.

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The Patapsco River crossing will remain open to vehicles during bridge rehabilitation work, with at least one lane of US 40 open in each direction (eastbound and westbound) open at all times.

There are no construction-related detours along US 40 for the bridge work.

To keep traffic moving safely, the contractor will construct two temporary bridges, one on each side of the existing bridge. These temporary bridges will carry traffic during construction work. During construction and removal of the westbound temporary bridge, SHA will need to reduce the westbound side of the bridge from two lanes to one lane for 3 - 6 months.

During the westbound US 40 lane closures, please plan ahead for travel delays on westbound US 40 from Catonsville to Ellicott City, or use I-70 as an alternate route if you are traveling past Ellicott City or US 29 to Frederick or points west.

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SHA considered several ways to handle traffic flow during construction. A total bridge closure and detour was rejected due to significant traffic delays, impacts to businesses, and the length of the detour.

Another proposed option was to construct a 4-lane temporary bridge upstream or downstream of the existing bridge, but this proposal was dismissed due to design constraints when building on steep slopes and increased impacts to Patapsco State Park.

SHA also considered maintaining two lanes of traffic on one half of the existing bridge but an engineering analysis of the existing bridge showed that this option would be unsafe due to the unusual design of the historic bridge.

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The Patapsco State Park - Hollofield Area will remain open during bridge rehabilitation work. Please plan for extra travel time to the park entrances along US 40 and use caution when entering and exiting the park, as there may be temporary single lane closures near the park gates.

Park visitors will be prohibited from traveling through the area under the bridge. Kayakers, canoers and swimmers will be prohibited from using the river underneath the bridge, and hikers will be prohibited from using the end of the Union Dam Trail under the bridge.