Home » Maryland News » Despite pleas from federal…

Despite pleas from federal lawmakers, Md. on track to demolish old Nice Bridge

Bruce DePuyt

August 11, 2022, 2:45 PM

This content was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Sign up for Maryland Matters’ free email subscription today.

Top Maryland Transportation Authority leaders have signaled that they intend to tear down the current Nice/Middleton Bridge in Charles County as soon as the replacement span opens to traffic. ... That demolition will come over the objections of Maryland’s two U.S. senators and U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D).

Hoyer and Sens. Ben Cardin (D) and Chris Van Hollen (D) asked Transportation Secretary Jim Ports in July to delay action long enough to allow for an “independent” study of the possible re-use of the span for recreational activities.

“With the work on the new Harry W. Nice/Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge across the Potomac River proceeding rapidly, we urge the State to reconsider plans to demolish the old bridge, and halt any immediate efforts to do so,” the lawmakers said in a letter. ... “These plans should not proceed until a study can be conducted on the feasibility as well as the financial and environmental costs and benefits of converting the old bridge to a non-motorized trail that could be used by pedestrians and bicyclists.”

Bicycling advocates have urged the state for years not to demolish the existing span. When Gov. Larry Hogan (R) unveiled plans to build a replacement bridge, he pledged that the new one would have separate bike and pedestrian lanes. Those plans were later dropped in a cost-cutting move.

{snip}

This article was written by WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters and republished with permission. Sign up for Maryland Matters’ free email subscription today.