The Maryland State Highway Administration announced Tuesday that construction on the U.S. Route 40 bridge over the Patapsco River is complete.
The project to renovate the 77-year-old concert arch bridge connecting Baltimore and Howard counties began in 2010, according to an SHA press release, and as of 5 a.m. Tuesday, all travel lanes were open for use.
"The State Highway Administration appreciates drivers' patience and cooperation as we worked to rehabilitate this critical structure along a key artery serving the Baltimore metropolitan area," said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters said in the press release. "The improvements preserved the historic arch design and added decades to the service life of the bridge. While work continues, we urge drivers to continue to stay alert and drive carefully through the work zone area."
According to the SHA project website, the bridge was "structurally safe, but the concrete bridge deck (riding surface) and other parts of the bridge have been removed and replaced. The rest of the structure is in good condition."